Lespedeza ×angustifolioides: The Mysterious Bush Clover Hybrid
If you’ve stumbled across the name Lespedeza ×angustifolioides in your plant research, you’re not alone in scratching your head. This particular bush clover hybrid is something of an enigma in the gardening world – and there’s a good reason why you might have trouble finding much information about it.
What We Know (And What We Don’t)
Lespedeza ×angustifolioides belongs to the bush clover genus, which is part of the legume family. The × in its name tells us it’s a hybrid – essentially a cross between two different Lespedeza species. However, here’s where things get tricky: comprehensive information about this specific hybrid is remarkably scarce in botanical literature and gardening resources.
Without clear documentation of its parent species, native range, or growing characteristics, this plant remains something of a botanical puzzle. The geographic distribution of this hybrid is currently unknown, making it difficult to determine where it might naturally occur or thrive in cultivation.
The Challenge for Home Gardeners
For gardeners looking to add bush clovers to their landscape, the lack of reliable information about Lespedeza ×angustifolioides presents a significant challenge. Without knowing its:
- Mature size and growth habit
- Preferred growing conditions
- Hardiness zones
- Care requirements
- Pollinator and wildlife benefits
It’s nearly impossible to make an informed decision about whether this plant would be a good fit for your garden.
Better Alternatives to Consider
Instead of puzzling over this elusive hybrid, consider these well-documented Lespedeza species that offer proven garden performance:
- Lespedeza capitata (Round-headed Bush Clover) – A native prairie species with cream-colored flower clusters
- Lespedeza violacea (Violet Bush Clover) – Features lovely purple flowers and attracts beneficial insects
- Lespedeza virginica (Slender Bush Clover) – A delicate native with small purple flowers
These alternatives have well-documented growing requirements, known wildlife benefits, and established track records in native and naturalized gardens.
The Bottom Line
While Lespedeza ×angustifolioides might sound intriguing, the lack of available growing information makes it a risky choice for most gardeners. Without knowing its specific needs, growth characteristics, or even its availability in the nursery trade, you’d essentially be gardening blind.
Your time and garden space are better invested in the many other beautiful and well-understood bush clover species that can provide reliable beauty, wildlife habitat, and the satisfaction of growing plants with known benefits. Save the botanical mysteries for the researchers – your garden will thank you for choosing plants with proven track records!
