Lespedeza ×divaricata: The Mysterious Bush Clover Hybrid
If you’ve stumbled across the name Lespedeza ×divaricata in your plant research, you might be scratching your head wondering what exactly this plant is all about. Don’t worry – you’re not alone! This particular member of the bush clover family is something of an enigma in the gardening world.
What is Lespedeza ×divaricata?
The × symbol in the name is your first clue that this is a hybrid plant – specifically a cross between two different Lespedeza species. Bush clovers belong to the legume family and are known for their attractive flowers and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, but this particular hybrid doesn’t have a wealth of readily available information.
The Mystery of Its Origins
Here’s where things get a bit tricky for us gardening enthusiasts. The native status, geographical distribution, and many other key characteristics of Lespedeza ×divaricata remain largely undocumented in common horticultural resources. This lack of information makes it challenging to provide specific growing guidance or recommend it for particular garden situations.
Should You Plant It?
Given the limited information available about this specific hybrid, it’s difficult to make a strong recommendation either for or against planting Lespedeza ×divaricata. Without clear data on:
- Its invasive potential
- Native status and range
- Specific growing requirements
- Wildlife and pollinator benefits
- Mature size and growth habits
The cautious approach would be to consider other, well-documented Lespedeza species instead.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re interested in bush clovers for your garden, you might want to explore other Lespedeza species that have more established track records and available growing information. Many bush clovers offer beautiful late-season purple or pink flowers and provide excellent wildlife habitat.
The Bottom Line
Sometimes in the plant world, we encounter species or hybrids that remain somewhat mysterious. Lespedeza ×divaricata appears to be one of those plants. While it may have potential as a garden plant, the lack of available information makes it difficult to recommend with confidence.
If you’re specifically interested in this hybrid, your best bet would be to consult with local botanical experts, native plant societies, or university extension services who might have more specialized knowledge about this particular cross. They could provide insights into whether it’s available in cultivation and what its specific requirements might be.
For most gardeners, focusing on well-documented native plants with known benefits to local ecosystems will be the most rewarding path forward.
