Lespedeza Capitata Seeds
Flower Specifications
Season: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3 - 9
Height: 30 - 48 inches
Bloom Season: Summer and fall
Bloom Color: Cream
Environment: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Loam, clay, sand, rocky, pH 5.6 - 7.3
Foliage Color: Silvery green
Deer Resistant: No
Latin Name: Lespedeza Capitata
Planting Directions
Temperature: 65F
Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
Light Required: Yes
Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 inch
Sowing Rate: 3 ounces per 1,000 square feet
Moisture: Keep seed moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 12 - 24 inches
Care & Maintenance: Lespedeza
Lespedeza (Lespedeza Capitata) - Start Lespedeza seeds for a naturalized landscape setting. Also known as Round-headed Bush Clover, this beneficial flowering plant grows best in full sun and dry conditions. Lespedeza is adaptable to different kinds of soil that contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or rocky material. Like many legumes, it adds nitrogen to the soil, and is easy to grow from flower seeds. Round-headed Bush Clover has good drought resistance; however, some of the lower leaves may turn yellow and fall off the plant if adequate water is not maintained.
Lespedeza is excellent for wildlife. It mixes well in a naturalized setting with a mix of wildflowers. Round-Headed Bush Clover is very attractive to both bees and butterflies. Because it is high in protein and palatable, many herbivores eat the plant during different growth stages, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. This can be a problem with establishment if these animals are not controlled. The flower seeds are eaten primarily by upland game birds including: the Mourning Dove, Bobwhite, and Wild Turkey. During the winter, the Lespedeza seed is eaten by song birds.
Lespedeza Capitata seed does well with a dormant fall planting. The flower seeds can be directly planted outdoors in the late fall where they will lay dormant until spring rains and warming temperatures will bring on germination. If planted in the spring, Round Headed Bush Clover seed benefits from a cold treatment for 3 - 4 weeks before sowing.
Approximately 8,000 seeds per ounce.
Great For Wildlife
Lespedeza plants make for excellent livestock forage, as it is both palatable and high in protein. It is native to eastern North America and grows as a natural prairie plant.
Useful Landscape Herb
How To Grow
Lespedeza seeds do best with a dormant fall planting: this will help to naturally prepare the seeds for germination in the spring. Sow seeds directly outdoors in late fall. As temperatures warm after winter and the spring rains arrive, the seeds will begin germinating. Once conditions are correct, the seeds take 14-21 days to germinate. If planted in the spring, it is best to perform a cold treatment on the seeds for 3-4 weeks before sowing. Plants should be spaced 12-24 inches apart.
- Environment: full sun to partial shade
- Soil: loam or rock with pH 5.6-7.3
- Germ time: 14-21 days
Plant Information
Lespedeza capitata is a perennial herb native to eastern North America. It grows in USDA zones 3 through 9, and makes for an excellent forage plant for livestock since it is palatable and nutritious.
- Bloom color: cream
- Foliage color: silvery green
- Bloom season: summer through fall
- Height: 30-48 inches