Contents
Description
Lespedeza Intermedia is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to eastern Asia and was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant. Lespedeza Intermedia is commonly known as Chinese bushclover or silky bush clover. It is a deciduous shrub that typically grows 3-6 feet tall and wide. The plant produces showy, pink, purple or white flowers in late summer to early fall. The leaves of Lespedeza Intermedia are trifoliate, with each leaflet being elliptic and about 1-3 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lespedeza |
Appearance
Lespedeza Intermedia is a deciduous shrub that grows 3-6 feet tall and wide. The plant has a spreading, arching habit and produces showy, pink, purple, or white flowers in late summer to early fall. The flowers are about 1/2 inch long and are arranged in clusters along the stems. The leaves of Lespedeza Intermedia are trifoliate, with each leaflet being elliptic and about 1-3 inches long. The foliage is green and turns yellow in the fall.
Care Guide
Lespedeza Intermedia is a relatively easy plant to grow and care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water regularly, especially during periods of drought.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Lespedeza Intermedia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Lespedeza Intermedia is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lespedeza Intermedia is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it may be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause damage.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and fine webbing on the plant.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves.
Habitat
Lespedeza Intermedia is native to eastern Asia and is commonly found in woodland areas and along forest edges. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. Lespedeza Intermedia is also drought-tolerant and can grow in areas with low rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lespedeza Intermedia a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Lespedeza Intermedia produces showy flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Lespedeza Intermedia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lespedeza Intermedia can be grown in containers, but it will need to be repotted as it grows.
Q: How often should Lespedeza Intermedia be pruned?
A: Prune Lespedeza Intermedia in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged wood and shape the plant as desired.
Q: Is Lespedeza Intermedia toxic to pets?
A: No, Lespedeza Intermedia is not known to be toxic to pets.
Related Plants
- Lespedeza Bicolor
- Lespedeza Capitata
- Lespedeza Cuneata
- Lespedeza Thunbergii
References
- “Lespedeza intermedia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 7 July 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282388&isprofile=0&=&returnUrl=%2fPlantFinder%2fPlantFinder.aspx%3f%3d%26f%3d%26l%3d%26tk%3dLespedeza%2bintermedia>
- “Lespedeza intermedia.” Plant Database. Accessed 7 July 2021. <https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LEIN>
- “Silky Bush Clover.” NC State Extension. Accessed 7 July 2021. <https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lespedeza-intermedia/>
