Species › Plants › Roundhead Lespedeza

Roundhead Lespedeza

Lespedeza capitata

CommonPlant
Illustration of Roundhead Lespedeza (Lespedeza capitata)

Roundhead Lespedeza is a native prairie legume growing 2–4 feet tall with silvery-hairy stems and dense, rounded clusters of creamy-white pea-like flowers in late summer. Found in dry prairies and open woodlands across the eastern and central United States, it is an important nitrogen-fixer. The persistent, silvery seed clusters stand attractively through winter and provide food for birds. Roundhead Lespedeza is a critical host plant for the Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly.

Habitat
Found in dry prairies, open woodlands, and roadsides across the eastern and central United States.
Diet
Host plant for Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly; seeds consumed by bobwhite quail, wild turkeys, and sparrows.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Roundhead Lespedeza

The best time to see a Roundhead Lespedeza is June–September, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 11,416 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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