Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Tephrosia

Species:

Tephrosia virginiana

USDA Symbol:

TEVI

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Subshrub

Height:

90 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

yellow, pink, cream

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from root crown after fire; fire can 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:

Prefers open, sunny habitats like prairies and sandy woods

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 30–60 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Scarify seed coat (nick or hot water) then warm stratify 30-60 days followed by cold stratification 60-90 days.

Where to Buy

Nationwide Seller

• Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
• Bamert Seed (seeds)