What is round-headed bush clover?

Round-headed bush clover (Lespedeza capitata) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It is commonly found in meadows, prairies, and open woods from the eastern United States west to Kansas and Nebraska and south to Georgia and Texas.

The plant typically grows up to 3 feet tall and has a bushy appearance with numerous small, rounded flower heads that are pink to light purple in color. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are composed of three leaflets.

Round-headed bush clover is considered a valuable forage plant for wildlife and livestock, as it provides high-quality forage and is an important source of nectar for pollinators. It is also used for erosion control and soil improvement purposes, due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil and its deep root system.

The plant is adaptable to a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained soils and full sun. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall and high temperatures.

Round-headed bush clover is also known by several other common names, including American lespedeza, clover lespedeza, and shrubby lespedeza.