Lespedeza ×patentibicolor: The Mysterious Bush Clover Hybrid
If you’ve stumbled across the name Lespedeza ×patentibicolor in your plant research, you’re not alone in wondering exactly what this plant is all about. This particular bush clover hybrid is something of a botanical puzzle, with limited information available even in specialized plant databases.
What We Know (And What We Don’t)
The × in the name tells us this is a hybrid between two Lespedeza species, but beyond that botanical clue, specific details about Lespedeza ×patentibicolor are surprisingly scarce. We don’t have clear information about its common names, native range, or specific growing requirements.
This lack of readily available information could mean several things: it might be a rare hybrid that hasn’t been extensively studied, an older nomenclatural designation that’s fallen out of common use, or simply a plant that exists in specialized collections but isn’t widely cultivated.
The Bush Clover Family Connection
What we can say is that as a Lespedeza hybrid, this plant would likely share some characteristics with other members of the bush clover family. Most Lespedeza species are known for their delicate, three-leaflet compound leaves and clusters of small, pea-like flowers that typically bloom in late summer or fall.
Should You Plant It?
Here’s where things get tricky. Without clear information about:
- Native status and geographic distribution
- Invasive potential
- Specific growing requirements
- Availability in the nursery trade
It’s difficult to recommend for or against planting Lespedeza ×patentibicolor. If you’re specifically interested in this hybrid, you’ll likely need to do some detective work to track down more information from specialized botanical sources or herbarium records.
Better-Known Alternatives
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing bush clovers, you might consider researching some of the more well-documented Lespedeza species that are commonly available and have established track records in gardens. Just be sure to verify the native status and invasive potential of any Lespedeza species in your specific region, as some have become problematic in certain areas.
The Bottom Line
Lespedeza ×patentibicolor remains something of a botanical mystery. While the name appears in some plant databases, the lack of detailed information makes it challenging for home gardeners to know much about this hybrid. If you’re specifically interested in this plant, consider reaching out to botanical gardens, native plant societies, or university extension services that might have more specialized knowledge about lesser-known Lespedeza hybrids.
Sometimes in the plant world, the most intriguing names lead us down rabbit holes of botanical curiosity – and Lespedeza ×patentibicolor certainly fits that description!
