Roundhead Lespedeza
Lespedeza capitata
Roundhead Lespedeza is a native, perennial, cool-season forb that grows 2 to 5 feet tall. It is found in both upland and lowland prairie sites, but it tends to be more common in uplands. Roundhead is quite tolerant of drought conditions. It is a palatable and nutritious native legume that is readily grazed by livestock. It is a desirable component in warm season grass mixtures, providing nitrogen input and adding protein to the consumed forage. It decreases with continuous heavy grazing. This species is also associated with a wide variety of pollinator insects, as well as foraging wildlife.
Lifespan: perennial
Season: cool
Uses: amnenity grassland, reclamation, CRP, pollinator, wildlife habitat, biodiversity
Native or Introduced: Native
Annual Average Precipitation: 15 inches
Field Seeding Rate (lbs/acre): 5 to 7
Turf Seeding Rate (lbs/1000 s.f.): n/a
