Creeping Bush-clover
Lespedeza repens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–48" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Creeping lespedeza is a low-growing, trailing native legume that forms dense mats of small compound leaves. It produces clusters of tiny pink to purple flowers from summer into early fall, followed by small seed pods. This drought-tolerant groundcover thrives in poor soils and helps prevent erosion on slopes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Creeping Bush-clover takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreading vine habit looks uncontrolled
- Can appear weedy and unkempt
- May be confused with invasive vines
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its long blooming period. As a legume, it fixes nitrogen in the soil and provides habitat for beneficial insects.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Creeping Bush-clover fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.