Narrowleaf Lespedeza

Lespedeza angustifolia

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Lespedeza
Species:
Lespedeza angustifolia

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
4-6 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Bloom Months:
jul, sep
Bloom Colors:
pink, purple

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Aristotelia lespedezae, Io moth (Automeris io), Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades), Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades), Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus), Zarucco Duskywing (Erynnis zarucco)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Commonly found in open, sunny areas; tolerates drought conditions.

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: OpenAI GPT-4o