Common Name: Bicolor Lespedeza, Shrubby Lespedeza
Scientific Name: Lespedeza bicolor
Identification: Bicolor Lespedeza is a branched deciduous shrub that may reach 3 to 10 feet in height. The leaves are alternate with 3 elliptical leaflets. The upright stems are gray to green. Four to 6 inch long pea- like, purple flowers appear in June to September. Small pods containing a single black seed appear from August to March.
Ecology: Bicolor Lespedeza is a rapid-growing shrub that spreads in openings and under forest canopies. This invasive shrub was introduced for soil stabilization and in wildlife food plots. The plant can form dense stands that limit forest regeneration. The seeds of Bicolor Lespedeza often are spread by wildlife.