Bush clover
Lespedeza thunbergiifam. Fabaceae
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Pl. BF6B — Lespedeza thunbergii
Lespedeza thunbergiiLespedeza thunbergiiLespedeza thunbergiiLespedeza thunbergiiLespedeza thunbergiiLespedeza thunbergiiLespedeza thunbergiiLespedeza thunbergiiLespedeza thunbergiiLespedeza thunbergiiLespedeza thunbergiiLespedeza thunbergiiLespedeza thunbergiiLespedeza thunbergii
IOverview
Overview
Bush clover (Lespedeza thunbergii) is a subshrub native to regions including Assam, China North-Central and South-Central, East Himalaya, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, and Taiwan. It thrives in full sun and prefers soil with a pH between 5.7 and 7.2. This perennial plant can be found growing wild in various habitats across its native range, making it adaptable to different environments. One distinctive feature of bush clover is its ability to grow in diverse climates, from the mountainous regions of East Asia to the subtropical areas around Japan and Taiwan.
Quick answers
What is Bush clover?
Bush clover (Lespedeza thunbergii) is a subshrub native to regions including Assam, China North-Central and South-Central, East Himalaya, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, and Taiwan. It thrives in full sun and prefers soil with a pH between 5.7 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bush clover is a subshrubby perennial that thrives in full sun and can be found growing in a variety of temperate regions. It prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.7 to 7.2. The plant requires moderate watering but can tolerate some drought. Bush clover is hardy in temperate regions, tolerating temperatures that are generally below freezing. To propagate the plant, seeds or cuttings can be used, although no specific method is mentioned.
Light
Full sun
Hardiness
5
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Subshrub
Soil pH
5.7–7.2
For first-time growers
How to grow Bush clover for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Bush clover seeds or young plants, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun. Ensure soil is well-draining and has a pH between 5.7 and 7.2.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors before transplanting them outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune as needed to control size and encourage new growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly draining soil, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Other uses:Attracts insectsNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 8 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 8 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 9 native· 8 introduced
Asia6 regions
native (5)ChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwan
introduced (1)India
Broader regions
native:Nansei-shoto, East Himalaya
introduced:New York, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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