Lespedeza: A Native Wildflower Worth Getting to Know
If you’re on the hunt for native plants that can add a touch of wild beauty to your garden, you might want to take a closer look at Lespedeza ×simulata. This lesser-known native perennial goes by the simple common name lespedeza, and while it may not be the most famous wildflower on the block, it has some interesting qualities that make it worth considering for the right garden setting.
What Exactly Is Lespedeza ×simulata?
Lespedeza ×simulata is a native perennial forb, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody flowering plant that comes back year after year. As a member of the legume family, it’s related to beans and peas, though you probably won’t be harvesting any dinner from this particular plant!
The × in its scientific name tells us something interesting – this is actually a hybrid species, which might explain why you haven’t heard much about it compared to some of its more famous cousins in the lespedeza family.
Where Does This Native Call Home?
This all-American wildflower has made itself at home across a good chunk of the eastern and central United States. You can find it growing naturally in Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, and Virginia. That’s quite an impressive range!
Should You Plant Lespedeza in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While Lespedeza ×simulata is definitely a native species worth celebrating, specific information about growing this particular hybrid is surprisingly scarce. This doesn’t mean it’s not worth growing – it just means you might need to approach it with a bit more patience and experimentation than some other native plants.
Since it’s a native species, you can feel good about supporting local ecosystems when you choose to plant it. Native plants like this one have evolved alongside local wildlife and typically require less water, fertilizer, and pest control than non-native alternatives.
The Growing Challenge
If you’re determined to try growing Lespedeza ×simulata, you’ll need to embrace your inner plant detective. Here’s what we do know:
- It’s a perennial, so once established, it should return each year
- As a forb, it’s herbaceous rather than woody
- Being a legume family member, it likely fixes nitrogen in the soil
- It’s adapted to conditions found across its native range
For specific growing conditions, hardiness zones, and care requirements, you might need to look to general lespedeza growing guides or contact native plant societies in areas where this species naturally occurs.
Consider These Alternatives
If you love the idea of growing native lespedeza but want something with more established growing information, consider looking into other native Lespedeza species that might grow in your area. Many of these offer similar benefits with better-documented care requirements.
Your local native plant society or extension office can help you identify which lespedeza species are native to your specific region and provide detailed growing guidance.
The Bottom Line
Lespedeza ×simulata represents one of those delightful mysteries in the native plant world – a species that’s clearly adapted to American landscapes but hasn’t yet made it into the mainstream gardening conversation. If you’re an adventurous gardener who enjoys experimenting with lesser-known natives, this could be an interesting addition to your collection.
Just remember to source your plants responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries, and don’t be surprised if growing information is limited. Sometimes the most rewarding gardening experiences come from working with plants that require a little extra patience and observation to understand!
