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Lespedeza hirta [Fabaceae]

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Scientific Name Lespedeza hirta USDA PLANTS Symbol
LEHI2
Common Name Hairy Lespedeza ITIS Taxonomic Serial No.
25900
Family Fabaceae (Pea) SEINet
Reference
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Description Habitat: Rocky, sandy, dry soils; open woods, glades, clearings.
Plant: Erect perennial 1-1/2 to 3 feet tall; single unbranched stem covered with short hairs.
Leaves: Alternate, trifoliate, petiolate (petiole less than 3/4-inch long) compound leaves, with short stipules; each leaflet oval to obovate about 5/8 to 1-1/2 inches long, with short hairs on the underside; each leaflet on a short petiole.
Inflorescence: Short racemes of flowers 1 to 3 inches long long atop hairy flowering stalks (peduncles) that are often longer than either the leaflets or the inflorescence; typical pea-like flowers densely crowded together, each about 1/3-inch long, and cream-colored, usually with a purple spot at the base; hairy buds.
Bloom Period: Late summer.
References: www.illinoisflowers.com and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map

Texas Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2023