Slender Bush-clover
Lespedeza virginica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Lespedeza virginica is a native legume that blooms pink to purple from July through September across the eastern and central United States. This drought-tolerant wildflower attracts bees and butterflies in prairies and open woodlands.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, FL and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Slender bush-clover is a delicate native perennial that forms compact clumps of fine-textured foliage. It produces clusters of small purple flowers from July through September, creating a soft, naturalistic appearance in sunny gardens.
Growing Slender Bush-clover
Grow Slender Bush-clover in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Slender 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.
- Very informal appearance may look weedy to HOAs
- Fine texture and open growth habit lacks traditional landscaping structure
- Name includes 'clover' which many HOAs specifically prohibit
Wildlife value
Host plant for silver-spotted skipper.
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its extended summer bloom period. As a legume, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
Common questions
- When does Slender Bush-clover bloom?
- Lespedeza virginica blooms from July through September, producing small pink to purple flowers that attract native bees and butterflies.
- What growing conditions does Slender Bush-clover prefer?
- This native legume thrives in full sun to partial sun with low to moderate water requirements, making it well-suited for dry prairies, open woods, and naturalized landscapes.
- Where is Lespedeza virginica native?
- Slender Bush-clover is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Minnesota, Kansas, and Texas.
- What pollinators visit Slender Bush-clover?
- The small flowers of Lespedeza virginica attract various native bees and butterflies, providing nectar during late summer when many other wildflowers have finished blooming.
- Is Slender Bush-clover HOA-friendly?
- Slender 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 Slender Bush-clover? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz