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Drawing copyright Mark Müller
Fabaceae Family - "Roundheaded Bushclover, Roundheaded Lespedeza, Dusty Clover"
Lespedeza named in honor of Cespedez, Spanish Governor of East Florida in the late 18th century, although it was misspelled as Lespedeza and capitata is from the Latin word meaning"in heads", referring to the seed heads.
L. capitata is found on the Great Plains and east on dry prairies and open woodlands. It reaches 2 - 4 feet in height and shows creamy white blossoms from July to September.
Native Americans of the southwest made a beverage from the leaves of this plant. Plains Indians had an interesting use as a moxa for cases of neuralgia or rheumatism. Stems were cut into small pieces and attached to the "patient's" skin by moistening one end of the stem with the tongue. The attached stem was then lit on fire and allowed to burn down to the skin. The root of L. capitata was considered an antidote for swallowed poisons.
This plant is also an excellent forage crop providing a high-protein forage for livestock. The seeds are also eaten by songbirds, gamebirds and other wildlife.
