Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Lespedeza

Species:

Lespedeza frutescens

USDA Symbol:

LEFR5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

pink, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies, small mammals

Fall Color:

yellow

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout after fire; fire may stimulate seed germination in some populations.

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:

Common in open woods and fields; tolerates drought

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.