Roundhead bushclover (Lespedeza capitata) is a perennial wildflower that’s particularly high in protein. That’s why many mammals—such as deer, muskrat, and rabbits—love to nibble on it. Meanwhile, birds often eat the seeds and bees visit the small flowers. This prairie plant is drought-resistant and indigenous to eastern North America.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Lespedeza capitata is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae, or legume family, and is known by the common name roundhead bushclover, or roundhead lespedeza. It is native to eastern North America, including eastern Canada and the eastern half of the United States.
This plant is a perennial herb with erect stems growing up to 1.5 meters tall. The taproot may grow over two meters deep into the soil, with lateral roots reaching out one meter horizontally. The alternately arranged leaves are each made up of several leaflets. The plant is coated in silvery hairs. Flowers are borne in somewhat rounded clusters atop each stem. The flower is white with a purple spot.
The cultivar ‘Kanoka’ was released by the USDA in 1998.
This plant may suffer from the rust pathogen Uromyces lespedezae-procaumbentis and the tar spot fungus Phyllachora lespedezae, as well as herbivory by the insect Pachyschelus laevigatus.
In the wild this plant grows in wooded areas, on prairies, and in disturbed habitat such as roadsides. It is tolerant of drought. It fixes nitrogen.
It hosts numerous lepidoptera species, such as the eastern tailed blue, gray hairstreak, hoary edge, northern cloudywing, orange sulphur, silver-spotted skipper, southern cloudywing, and spring azure.
Its seeds are popular with several bird species, in particular the northern bobwhite.
II. How to Grow and Care
Roundhead bushclover is a robust perennial that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it quite low-maintenance. Special care points include its tolerance for drought, meaning that it needs minimal supplemental watering once established. Additionally, roundhead bushclover can benefit from seasonal pruning to promote bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy. This combination of resilience and low water requirements categorizes roundhead bushclover as an easy-care plant suitable for various garden settings.
Sunlight
Roundhead bushclover thrives best in full sun conditions where it can receive unfiltered sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Its growth and health are optimized with direct exposure, which bolsters photosynthesis and supports robust flowering. While roundhead bushclover exhibits tolerance for partial sun, insufficient light may lead to leggy stems and reduced flowering, evidencing a compromise in vitality. However, its adaptability is seen in its capability to still perform photosynthesis efficiently under varying light levels, though not at its peak potential. Typically found in open fields and prairies, roundhead bushclover is best planted outdoors where it has access to ample sunlight.
Watering
Roundhead bushclover thrives in its native environment where it is accustomed to regular rainfall patterns, typically demanding consistent moisture. This species exhibits a preference for evenly moist soil conditions and can tolerate short periods of drought. Watering should align with roundhead bushclover’s moderate water needs, equating to watering every week. As an herbaceous perennial often found outdoors, roundhead bushclover benefits significantly from natural rainwater during its active growing season, which enhances its vigor and flowering potential.
Fertilizing
For roundhead bushclover, balanced nutrition fertilizer is apt, delivering essential nutrients. Fertilize biannually, spring and midsummer, using low rates to prevent overfertilization. This boosts growth, flowering, and resilience. Quantity should align with product guidelines—typically a light sprinkling. Avoid application in late fall to prevent spurring vulnerable new growth before frost. Adjustments depend on growth stages with young roundhead bushclover needing more frequent feeding. For safety, use gloves, avoid over-application, and water well post-fertilization to help absorption. Suitable for all gardening levels, precise instructions ensure roundhead bushclover’s optimal care.
Propagation
Roundhead bushclover is a perennial herbaceous legume that thrives in various environments, making it a viable plant for many gardeners. Propagation is typically achieved through sowing seeds, which should be scarified or stratified before planting to enhance germination rates. Directly sowing into a prepared bed in fall allows natural stratification over winter. For an effective establishment, ensure a well-draining substrate and avoid excessive moisture to prevent seed rot. Sowing in peat pots can facilitate the management of the young plants before transplanting.
Transplanting
The best time to transplant roundhead bushclover is when the rejuvenation of spring is in full swing, typically from mid to late season. Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Gentle handling during the move encourages successful resettlement.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Garden uses
This plant is used as a component of seed mixes for vegetating rangeland. It is a good addition to livestock forage, as it is palatable and nutritious. The plant can also be used in flower arrangements.
- Medicinal uses
This plant had a number of medicinal uses for Native American groups. It was used as a moxa to treat rheumatism. The Comanche used the leaves for tea. The Meskwaki used the roots to make an antidote for poison. The Pawnee people referred to the plant as rabbit foot (parus-asu) on account of the shape of its fruits and made a tea from the dry stems and leaves when coffee was not available. Among the Omaha and Ponca peoples, it was known as the male buffalo bellow plant.
