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Japanese Bushclover

Lespedeza thunbergii, Fabaceae

Zones
5–9
Layer
Shrub
Lifespan
Perennial
Growth
Fast

Guild Roles

Nitrogen FixerMulch MakerPollinator Attractor

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

Moderate (established)Moderate (seedling)

Soil pH

5.5 – 7.5

Tolerances

Drought
Frost
Heat
Pest Resistance
Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Canary GrassPhalaris canariensis
Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat
Trailing Bush CloverLespedeza procumbens
Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat
Caraway ThymeThymus herba-barona
Nitrogen FixationPest Deterrent

Antagonistic Plants

Sudan GrassSorghum sudanense

Sudan grass rapidly outcompetes and chemically suppresses Japanese bushclover

Uses

Functions

Nitrogen FixationBiomass ProductionErosion ControlLate Season Nectar

Common Questions

What zones does Japanese Bushclover grow in?

Japanese Bushclover grows in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.

Is Japanese Bushclover a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Japanese Bushclover is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Japanese Bushclover?

Good companions for Japanese Bushclover include Canary Grass, Trailing Bush Clover, Caraway Thyme.

Design guilds with Japanese Bushclover and see companion relationships visually.

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