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Shrub lespedeza

How to identify Shrub lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor)

Shrub lespedeza, also known as Bush clover, Silky bush-clover, Chinese bush-clover, Shrubby lespedeza

Shrub lespedeza is a deciduous, semi-woody plant with a shrubby growth habit. This species typically reaches heights of 3 to 10 feet (about 1 to 3 meters) and similar widths. The foliage of shrub lespedeza consists of alternate, compound leaves that are trifoliate, implying three leaflets per compound leaf. Each leaflet is ovate to lanceolate and can be up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. During the flowering season, shrub lespedeza produces small, pealike flowers arranged in racemes, showcasing a conspicuous two-toned coloration, hence the epithet 'bicolor'. The blooms are followed by small, flattened seed pods.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Shrub lespedeza

1

Trifoliate leaves with ovate to lanceolate leaflets, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long.

2

Small, rosy-purple pea flowers in racemes, about 1.2 cm (0.5 inches) long.

3

Distinctive glossy black flat pods, about 1/3 inch long containing a single black seed.

4

Erect stem with gray-green color, 0.2-0.6 inches (0.5-1.5 cm) in diameter.

5

Deciduous plant reaching 3 to 10 feet (1 to 3 meters) in height and width.

Shrub lespedezaShrub lespedezaShrub lespedezaShrub lespedezaShrub lespedeza

Detailed Traits of Shrub lespedeza

Leaf Features

The leaves of shrub lespedeza are trifoliate, featuring three elliptical to oval leaflets per stem. Each leaflet measures between 0.75 to 2 inches (2 to 5 cm) in length. These leaves are alternately arranged on the stem with entire margins that come to a sharp point at the tip. The upper side of the leaves is dark green, while the underside is a lighter green, providing a distinct contrast. The leaves exhibit a smooth texture and a well-defined midrib.

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Flower Features

Shrub lespedeza flowers are distinctive with their rosy-purple, pea-shaped appearance. They are arranged in racemes measuring 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) long. Each individual flower is about 1.2 cm (0.5 inches) long, showcasing their elegant purple hue. These blooms can be found at the tops of stems and the axils of leaves. The flowers typically appear from June to September, thriving on the current season's growth, adding a beautiful touch to their host plant.

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Stem Features

The stem of shrub lespedeza is erect and has a gray-green coloration. It is moderately slender, typically measuring about 0.2-0.6 inches (0.5-1.5 cm) in diameter. The stem exhibits a somewhat rough and hairy texture. The branching pattern is alternate, with branches extending outwards in a loosely spreading manner. The stem’s surface may occasionally display fine ridges, enhancing its rough texture. Its semi-woody nature provides moderate structural support for the plant’s overall erect form.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of shrub lespedeza is a distinctive, flat pod with a rounded to elliptic shape. It typically measures about 1/3 inch long and is noted for its glossy black coloration. Inside its indehiscent shell, which does not naturally open to release its seed, there is a single black seed. These pods become visible from August to March, offering a unique identification characteristic during those months. With its compact size, the fruit is roughly 8 mm long and provides a clear visual when studying this species.

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Key Facts About Shrub lespedeza

Attributes of Shrub lespedeza
Spread
1.8 m to 2.5 m
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Purple
Pink
Fruit Color
Brown
Copper
Stem Color
Green
Gray
Silver
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Shrub lespedeza

Family
Legume
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Species
Shrub lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor)
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Distribution Map of Shrub lespedeza

Shrub lespedeza is a plant natively distributed across East Asia and parts of Northern Asia. It has been introduced and can be found in parts of Eastern Europe. The species is also cultivated, which has expanded its presence beyond its native habitat. The plant has adapted to various regions, suggesting a high degree of ecological flexibility.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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