Roundhead Lespedeza
| Plant Profile | |
|---|---|
| FYUSE 3D Image |
Common Name: Roundhead Lespedeza Other Names: Roundhead Bush Clover Species Name: Lespedeza capitata Plant Type: Legume Family Name: Fabaceae, Pea Family |
Examples of Roundhead LespedezaLespedeza capitata
| Plant Facts | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Native |
| Duration | Perennial |
| Distribution in the U.S. | Eastern half of the U.S. up to South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Texas |
| Distribution in Oklahoma | Throughout the state, other than the Ouachita Mountains |
ID Characteristics
- Field Identification Characteristics
Vegetative
- Long stems unbranched below and highly branched above
- Loaf stem (petiole) shorter than the branch of the middle leaflet
- Leaves broader than L. cuneata or L. virginica
- Veins of leaves curve away from leaf edge back to midrib in oval pattern
Floral
- Flower heads clustered at top
- Flowers white with purple throats
- Seed heads dark brown in the upper parts of branches with shaggy appearance
- Leaf and Stem Characteristics
- Leaf Type: Compound, 1-pinnately
- Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
- Leaf Shape: Elliptic or oblong
- Stipules: Present
- Floral Characteristics
- Petal Number: 5, fused
- Flower Color: White with purple throats
- Flower Timing: June-September
- Fruit Type: (Flat) legumes
| Habitat/Ecology | |
|---|---|
| Soil Type | Various, well-drained soils |
| Habitat | Open woods, moist sites such as floodplains |
| Successional Stage | Late |
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