Pronounced (approximate): les-peh-DEE-zah froo-TESS-enz
Pink-purple flowers have the characteristic pea-flower shape. Each leaf has three broad elliptical leaflets.
Violet Bush Clover (Lespedeza frutescens): close view of purple flowers. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Fabaceae
Life cycle Herbaceous perennial
Blooms Summer–early fall
Height About 8–40 inches
Habitat Open woods, rocky slopes, ridges, and woodland edges
Common names
Violet Bush Clover · Violet Bush-clover · Shrubby Bush-clover
Bloom timing and height vary with location. Native status refers to North America; see the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Open woods, rocky slopes, ridges, and woodland edges. Flowering season: summer–early fall.
Older references sometimes apply the name Lespedeza violacea to this plant. Modern treatments separate L. frutescens from L. violacea, so compare the reference’s taxonomic treatment when checking an identification.
Pink-purple flowers have the characteristic pea-flower shape.
Leaflets have smooth edges and grow on branching stems.
Look for herbaceous perennial growth in open woods, rocky slopes, ridges, and woodland edges. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
6 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it.
Southeastern Canada and the central and eastern United States.
Reported U.S. native distribution
AL, AR, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, NH, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI
State records describe documented distribution, not presence in every county. The observation map shows reported sightings and may include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Violet Bush Clover in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.