Lespedeza Tomentosa
Contents
Description
Lespedeza Tomentosa, also known as bush clover, is a native perennial flowering plant that belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It is known for its attractive, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. This plant is commonly used in landscaping and gardening due to its beautiful appearance and low maintenance requirements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lespedeza |
Appearance
Lespedeza Tomentosa has a dense, bushy growth habit with arching stems that are covered in small, oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are a bluish-green color and are about 1 inch long. The plant produces numerous small, pea-like flowers that are pinkish-purple in color and bloom in late summer and early fall. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems and are about 1/4 inch in diameter. After the flowers are spent, the plant produces small, brownish-colored seed pods.
Care Guide
Lespedeza Tomentosa is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:
- Water: Water your plant regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the fall and winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant your Lespedeza Tomentosa in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Lespedeza Tomentosa is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lespedeza Tomentosa is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by the following:
- Spider mites: These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and brown. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Crown rot: This disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. Avoid overwatering and plant in well-draining soil to prevent this.
Habitat
Lespedeza Tomentosa is native to the eastern and central United States, where it grows in open woods, fields, and along roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and can grow in a wide range of soil types. This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lespedeza Tomentosa deer-resistant?
A: Yes, this plant is generally resistant to deer.
Q: Can Lespedeza Tomentosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full size.
Q: How often should I fertilize Lespedeza Tomentosa?
A: Fertilize your plant once a year in the spring.
Q: How often should I water Lespedeza Tomentosa?
A: Water your plant regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Related Plants
- Lespedeza Capitata
- Lespedeza Bicolor
- Lespedeza Thunbergii
- Lespedeza Stipulacea
References
- “Lespedeza Tomentosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b666. Accessed 18 June 2021.
- “Lespedeza Tomentosa.” North Carolina State University, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lespedeza-tomentosa/. Accessed 18 June 2021.
- “Lespedeza Tomentosa.” University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, www.arboretum.wisc.edu/tomentosa/. Accessed 18 June 2021.
