What plant is that?

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Velvety Bush CloverVelvety Bush Clover flowerVelvety Bush Clover leaf and hairs
Photo credits: © Francis R. Underwood 2020

The mystery plant for September, 2020 is listed as being rare in RI. I have found this plant years ago when it was growing in East Greenwich, however it no longer is found growing there.

The one site where I have recently found it growing is in Cranston/Johnston. This plant grows on a tall-grassy hillside there.

Its stems are erect and grow 24-30 inches tall.The small leaves are trifoliate, hairy on both upper and lower sides with the upper side of the leaf being more hairy than the lower. The flowers are purple and numerous and grow in tight racemes. This plant blooms from mid-August to late September.

It’s. . .

Botanical Name:
  
Lespedeza stuevei
Common Name:
   Velvety Bush Clover
Family:
   Fabaceae (Bean or Legume Family)
Habitat:
   Dry slopes and woods