Bush Clover

A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Best flower production is obtained in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including infertile, sandy soils, but excluding wet conditions. Although it shines brightest in moist, rich soils, it performs nearly as well on hot, dry sites. Drought tolerant once established.Bush Clover, also known as the Queen Elizabeth Lily, is a type of herbaceous flowering plant in the amaryllis family that is native to Ireland. The tag name comes from its floral spikes, which resembles the head and neck of a schoolboy holding clover above his head.

Plant

lespedeza, (genus Lespedeza), also called bush clover, genus of about 40 species of plants in the pea family (Fabaceae). All lespedezas are adapted to warm humid climates and are native to North America, tropical and East Asia, and Australia. A number of species are useful as forage and green manure crops, and some are used for erosion control or as ornamentals.Pruning should be done in late winter to early spring before new growth begins as this plant will bloom on new growth only. In areas with cold winters the top of the plant will die back. Arching stems that reach ground level and continue to grow horizontally along the ground can set out roots where the nodes come in contact with the ground. It will also reseed itself easily in the landscape.

The non-native Silky Bush Clover occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, but it is rare or absent elsewhere within the state (see Distribution Map). However, this plant may be spreading steadily northward. It was introduced into the United States from east Asia. Habitats include fields, where it is occasionally planted as a source of forage and hay, and roadside banks, where it has been planted for erosion control. Other habitats include openings in upland woodlands, thickets, and prairie restorations. This species can invade many natural habitats and form dense colonies of plants. It is sometimes introduced into prairie restorations accidentally, probably as a contaminant of seed, and should be removed. The invasive potential of this species is quite high. (Source: www.illinoiswildflowers.info)