KOREAN LESPEDEZA
Summary
Korean Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), also known as sericea lespedeza, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family that is native to East Asia, particularly Korea, China, and Japan. It is widely used in various applications, including soil erosion control, forage for livestock, and as a cover crop to improve soil quality due to its nitrogen-fixing properties.
Here are some key features of Korean Lespedeza:
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Nitrogen Fixation: As a legume, it has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, which can improve soil fertility.
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Forage Crop: It’s used as a high-protein forage for livestock, including cattle and sheep, especially in areas where other types of pasture may not grow well.
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Soil Erosion Control: Korean Lespedeza is planted for erosion control, particularly in areas where the soil is prone to being washed away by rain or wind. Its deep root system helps stabilize the soil.
Plant Characteristics
Zone
- Regional Growing Zone
- 5 - Midwest, 7 - Great Lakes South, 8 - Appalacia, 9 - Southeast, 10 - South Florida, 11 - South Texas
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
- 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Temperature Zone
- Warm, Cool, Transitional
Plant Characteristics
- Bloom Color
- Lavender
- Bloom Description
Korean Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) produces attractive blooms that are an important part of its appeal, particularly in the summer months. Here’s a detailed description of the bloom:
Flower Color: The flowers are typically lavender to pinkish-purple in color. They grow in dense clusters, giving the plant a soft, colorful appearance during its bloom period.
Flower Shape: The individual flowers are small, pea-like, and have a typical legume shape with a slightly tubular structure, similar to other plants in the pea family (Fabaceae).
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Description
The leaves of Korean Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) are typically light green in color. Here's a bit more detail about the leaves:
Shape: The leaves are compound, meaning they are made up of several smaller leaflets (typically 3 leaflets per leaf). Each leaflet has an ovate or elliptical shape with a smooth margin.
Size: The individual leaflets are relatively small, usually around 2 to 4 cm long.
Color: The leaflets are a bright green during the growing season, which can turn yellowish or light brown as the plant matures or after the growing season, particularly in the fall. The plant can also show some red or purplish hues towards the end of its blooming cycle in cooler weather.
Texture: The leaves have a slightly velvety texture on both sides, with fine hairs giving them a soft feel.
The overall green appearance of the plant, combined with its attractive purple-pink flowers, makes Korean Lespedeza visually appealing throughout the growing season.
- Growing Cycle
- Perennial
- Growth Habit
- Bunch-Type
- Sun Requirement
- Full Sun
- Maturity
- 2 to 3 years
Plant Information
- Planting Season
- Spring
- Plant Depth
- 0.25" - 0.5"
- Minimum Soil Temp for Germination
- 60° F
- Establishment
- Moderate
Coverage Area & Available Sizes
How to Use & Apply
How to Use Korean Lespedeza Effectively:
- Planting: Use it for erosion control or as a forage crop by planting it in well-drained soil in full sun.
- Harvesting: If using for hay or forage, cut it when it is in bloom (late summer), ensuring you capture the peak nutritional value before it begins to mature.
- Maintenance: Regularly mow or graze to encourage dense growth and maintain its vigor if it’s being used as forage or ground cover.
Korean Lespedeza is a highly adaptable plant with multiple uses, making it a great option for improving soil health, providing forage, or enhancing landscapes.
