Lespedeza

Lespedeza is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family (Fabaceae) that includes about 40 species of herbaceous perennials and small shrubs. Commonly known as bush clovers, these plants have been widely cultivated for forage, erosion control, and soil improvement. Most species are native to Asia, with several species also native to North America and other parts of the Americas; many have been introduced globally for agricultural or reclamation purposes.

Description and growth habits: Lespedeza species typically have compound leaves, often with three leaflets, and produce pea-like flowers arranged in dense racemes. Flower colors range from yellow and purple to pink, depending on the species. The fruit is a legume pod that, like other members of Fabaceae, contributes to nitrogen fixation in association with soil bacteria.

Notable species: Lespedeza cuneata (sericea or Chinese lespedeza) is widely used for forage and erosion control but is considered invasive in many regions of North America. Lespedeza bicolor (bicolor lespedeza) is native to Asia and is grown ornamentally and for forage. Lespedeza capitata (roundhead lespedeza) is native to North America and is valued for soil improvement and wildlife forage. Other species, including ornamental and shrub forms such as L. thunbergii, are cultivated for landscape use.

Ecology and management: As legumes, Lespedeza species fix atmospheric nitrogen through rhizobia, contributing to soil fertility. They are drought-tolerant and adaptable to a range of soils and light conditions. Some species can become aggressively spreading, outcompeting native vegetation, so management may include mowing, grazing, mechanical removal, or herbicides where appropriate.

Uses: In agriculture and land restoration, Lespedeza is used as forage for cattle and deer, as a cover crop or green manure, and for erosion control and habitat restoration.