Lespedeza frutescens (L.) Ell.

Locations ofLespedeza frutescens (L.) Ell. in Virginia

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Detail

Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
Lespedeza frutescens (L.) Ell.
Common Name
Violet Lespedeza, Violet Bush-clover
Synonym(s)
Lespedeza violacea (L.) Pers. (misapplied)
Flora of Virginia Name/Status
Lespedeza frutescens (L.) Ell.
Comments
Due to a problem with the type specimen of Lespedeza intermedia, the name Lespedeza violacea, by which this species has long been known, applies to L. intermedia, and the name L. frutescens now applies to this species. This is very unfortunate as it will cause endless confusion unless the name L. violacea is conserved. Clewell gives a good discussion of this in Rhodora 68:392-393 and concluded it best for nomenclatural stability not to change existing concepts until he personally had a chance to examine the type specimen. It appears he never did so, and the change is now widely implemented.
Habitat
Dry, rocky woodlands, outcrops, shale barrens, and riverside prairies; often on calcareous or mafic substrates. Infrequent in the mountains and Piedmont; rare in the Coastal Plain.
Native Status
Native

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