Chinese Bush Clover

Lespedeza cuneata, Fabaceae

Zones

5–9

Layer

Ground Cover

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Fast

Guild Roles

Nitrogen FixerGround CoverMulch Maker

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

Low (established)Moderate (seedling)

Soil pH

5.5 – 8

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Alpine BlueberryVaccinium gaultherioides

Nitrogen FixationWind Protection

Mammoth Wild RyeLeymus racemosus

Nitrogen Fixation

Intermediate WheatgrassThinopyrum intermedium

Nitrogen FixationWind Protection

Antagonistic Plants

Bushy BluestemAndropogon glomeratus

Chinese bush clover can suppress bushy bluestem through allelopathic compounds and root competition

Persian CloverTrifolium resupinatum

Both legumes compete for the same rhizobial partnerships and root zone resources

Arrowleaf CloverTrifolium vesiculosum

Different legume families compete for rhizobial bacteria and soil nitrogen resources

Sensitive Partridge PeaChamaecrista nictitans

Chinese bush clover competes aggressively with native sensitive partridge pea for resources in warm climates

Uses

Functions

Nitrogen FixationErosion ControlBiomass ProductionSoil ImprovementWildlife Habitat

Common Questions

What zones does Chinese Bush Clover grow in?

Chinese Bush Clover grows in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.

Is Chinese Bush Clover a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Chinese Bush Clover is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Chinese Bush Clover?

Good companions for Chinese Bush Clover include Alpine Blueberry, Mammoth Wild Rye, Intermediate Wheatgrass.

Design guilds with Chinese Bush Clover and see companion relationships visually.

Try PatternBase free