Bush-clovers
What are they?
The Bush-clovers are members of the Pea Family and most species have thin, woody stems. Some are trailing, others form low, twiggy bushes, up to three feet high. Most species have flowers that are larger than those of clovers, looking more like peas or vetches.
Where are they found?
These are mostly plants of open fields and woodland margins, hedgerows and roadsides.
Identification
Identification of some species can be tricky and should be based on close examination of stem and leaf hairs. However, most species are relatively straight forward, particularly the commoner ones.
Creeping Bush-clover Lespedeza repens
Quite common in dry, woodland edge and similar shady places. Trails low to the ground and often forms extensive colonies of plants. Flowers August to September. Resembles Trailing Bush-clover but stem hairs lay flat.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
Trailing Bush-clover Lespedeza procumbens
Uncommon in dry fields and other grassy places. Trails low to the ground so easily overlooked in rank grass unless in flower. Flowers August to September. Resembles Creeping Bush-clover but stem hairs are more erect.
 |
|
 |
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
Steuve's Bush-clover Lespedeza steuvei
(Tall Bush-clover) Uncommon in a wide range of habitats, from woodland margins and shady field edges to hedgerows, roadsides and other grassy places. Flowers August to September.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
Wand-like Bush-clover Lespedeza frutescens
(Shrubby Bush-clover) Quite widespread in a wide range of habitats, from woodland margins and shady field edges to hedgerows, roadsides and other grassy places. Flowers August to September.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
Slender Bush-clover Lespedeza virginica
Scattered plants may be found in a variety of shady or semi-open spots in fields, woodland margins and roadsides. Flowers August to September.
 |
|
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
Hairy Bush-clover Lespedeza hirta
Quite widespread in dry soils in woodland margins and grassy places. Flowers August to September.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
Round-headed Bush-clover Lespedeza capitata
Common throughout the county in dry or even slightly moist, open fields, woodland margins and roadsides. Flowers August to September.
 |
|
 |
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
Narrow-leaved Bush-clover Lespedeza angustifolia
Quite widespread in dry, sandy soil. Flowers August to September.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
Silky Bush-clover Lespedeza cuneata
Common to abundant, introduced species from Asia. Plentiful along roadsides and woodland edge and even on disturbed and waste ground. Often quick to colonize abandoned farm fields. Flowers August to September.
 |
|
 |
 |
|
| |
|
|
|