Lespedeza virginica is found from Maine south to Florida, west to Texas and north to Michigan as well as in Eastern Canada.

[3] L. virginica prefers drier habitats, but can be found in prairies, rocky and sandy forests, savannas and environments with high drainage such as roadsides.

[6] Disjunct populations are found in Nuevo León, Mexico, central Wisconsin and southern Minnesota.

[6] Scarification of the testa is reportedly necessary for germination, suggesting that consumption of seeds by animals is important in the plant's life cycle.

It is threatened by changes to patterns of habitat disturbance, with lack of requisite open areas, and by competition with invasive species, notably crownvetch.