Common names: slender lespedeza, slender bush lespedeza, slender bush clover

Scientific names: Lespedeza virginica

Seasons of significant use: summer (for Lespedeza spp. complex)

Characteristics: Native, perennial, warm season forb to 5.0 feet. Stems mostly erect, can be ascending, usually branched; leaves alternate, pinnately trifoliolate compound; ;eaflets 3, linear to narrowly oblong, without stipels; fruit is a 1-seeded, indehiscent pod. Flowers May-October.

Plant community type: Open uplands and bottomlands as well as semi-open wooded areas.

Comments: Responds favorably to late winter-early spring burns.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family