// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Hairy lespedeza

Lespedeza hirta

Hairy lespedeza (Lespedeza hirta) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 2'–5'. Blooms Jun–Nov.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 32 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–11b
Mature size: 2'–5'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Jun–Nov
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Hairy lespedeza (Lespedeza hirta) — *Lespedeza hirta* — Hairy lespedeza. Photo by Alex Abair via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Hairy lespedeza (Lespedeza hirta) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 2'–5'. Blooms Jun–Nov. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, hairy lespedeza pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis).