Lespedeza Procumbens

Description

Lespedeza Procumbens, also known as procumbent bushclover, is a low-growing perennial plant that is commonly found in North America. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. The plant has a sprawling growth habit and can grow up to 2 feet in height. It produces small, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom from June to September.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Lespedeza Procumbens has a sprawling growth habit and can grow up to 2 feet in height. Its leaves are trifoliate, meaning they have three leaflets, and are oval to lance-shaped. The flowers are small, pinkish-purple, and bloom from June to September. The plant produces small, oblong-shaped pods that contain one or two seeds.

Care Guide

Water: Lespedeza Procumbens prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate wet conditions. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during periods of drought. Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring. Soil: Lespedeza Procumbens prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates. Hardiness Zones: Lespedeza Procumbens is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Lespedeza Procumbens is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.

Habitat

Lespedeza Procumbens is commonly found in open woods, fields, and along roadsides. It is native to North America and can be found from Maine to Florida and west to Texas.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Lespedeza Procumbens a good groundcover plant?
A: Yes, Lespedeza Procumbens is a good groundcover plant due to its low-growing habit and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. Q: Can Lespedeza Procumbens tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Lespedeza Procumbens can tolerate drought but prefers to be watered once a week during periods of drought. Q: Does Lespedeza Procumbens attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Lespedeza Procumbens attracts bees and butterflies with its small pinkish-purple flowers. Q: Can Lespedeza Procumbens be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lespedeza Procumbens can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its sprawling growth habit.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants in the Fabaceae family:

• Lespedeza Bicolor
• Lespedeza Capitata
• Lespedeza Thunbergii
• Lespedeza Virginica

References

• “Lespedeza Procumbens.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c789.
• “Lespedeza Procumbens.” University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-database/shrubs/lespedeza-procumbens.aspx.
• “Lespedeza Procumbens.” North Carolina State University, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lespedeza-procumbens/.