How much sun does Creeping Bush-clover need?

Creeping Bush-clover grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Creeping Bush-clover bloom?

Creeping Bush-clover blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Creeping Bush-clover native?

Creeping Bush-clover (Lespedeza repens) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 18 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Creeping Bush-clover attract?

Creeping Bush-clover draws bees and butterflies.

Is Creeping Bush-clover HOA-friendly?

Creeping Bush-clover takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Creeping Bush-clover

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

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

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Creeping Bush-clover need?: Creeping Bush-clover grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Creeping Bush-clover bloom?: Creeping Bush-clover blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Creeping Bush-clover native?: Creeping Bush-clover (Lespedeza repens) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 18 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Creeping Bush-clover attract?: Creeping Bush-clover draws bees and butterflies.
Is Creeping Bush-clover HOA-friendly?: Creeping Bush-clover takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

Ready to grow Creeping Bush-clover? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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