How much sun does Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover need?

Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover bloom?

Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover native?

Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover (Lespedeza angustifolia) is native to AL, FL, GA, MA and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover attract?

Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover draws bees and butterflies.

Is Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover HOA-friendly?

Narrow-Leaf 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.

Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lespedeza angustifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover (Lespedeza angustifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, MA and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Narrowleaf bush clover is a native perennial that forms an upright, somewhat open clump with small compound leaves. It produces clusters of small purple or pink pea-like flowers from summer into early fall, creating a graceful display.

In an HOA neighborhood

Narrow-Leaf 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.

Open growth habit can appear sparse or weedy
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare stems
Less formal appearance than typical landscape plants

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies throughout the late summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover need?: Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover bloom?: Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover native?: Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover (Lespedeza angustifolia) is native to AL, FL, GA, MA and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover attract?: Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover draws bees and butterflies.
Is Narrow-Leaf Bush-Clover HOA-friendly?: Narrow-Leaf 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

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