Hairy Bush-clover
Lespedeza hirta
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, FL and 23 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Hairy bush-clover is a native perennial that forms compact, upright clumps with small oval leaves and clusters of tiny pink to purple pea-like flowers. It blooms from July through September, providing late-season color when many other plants are fading. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in poor soils and full sun conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hairy 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.
- Has a wild, weedy appearance that resembles common clover
- Growth habit is loose and informal rather than neat
- May be mistaken for an unwanted weed by neighbors
Wildlife value
Host plant for gray hairstreak.
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the important late summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals in fall and winter.
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 Hairy Bush-clover fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.