slender bush clover

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

3-6 ft. tall
4-10 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By division, By air-layering

Plant Propagation Notes

Cold moist stratify seed for about three weeks.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 2 ft spacing. Flowers from new growth, so cutting to the ground in fall will produce more flowering stems the following spring.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves alternate, compound with three leaflets, linear to oblong with entire margins.

Flowers

Light to dark pink, pea-like, in dense clusters.

Fruit

Legume.

Bark

Stems are green and hairy.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Woodland borders and longleaf pine sandhills.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina.