Home Prairie and Wetland Center
16245 S US Hwy 71
Belton, MO 64012
Tel: (816) 331-9738
Fax: (816) 331-9739

Lespedeza hirta

Hairy Lespedeza

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Lespedeza hirta (Hairy Lespedeza)

Long-lived perennial has distinctive upright stems with 3-parted round leaves. Leaves fold in the evening. Small white flowers bloom from July to October. The round seed heads are a deep, reddish brown and persist through winter providing a good food source for birds. This is a common legume species of the dry, cherty slopes of the Ozarks.

Additional Information:


Height
3-4 Feet

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Spread
-24 Inches

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Bloom/Seasonal Color
White


USDA Hardiness Zone 3-7

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Good Companions
Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera), Gray-head Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii), Ashy Sunflower (Helianthus mollis)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

FACU

Nature Attracting

Songbird

Root

Fibrous

Season of Interest

Late (July-frost)

Soil Moisture

Average

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

USFS MO Ecological Map

Wildlife Benefit

Food/Birds
Food/Small Animals