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Description
Lespedeza Cuneata, also known as Chinese bush clover, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to eastern Asia and was introduced to North America in the early 1900s as a forage crop and erosion control plant. However, it has now become an invasive species in many parts of the United States, particularly in the southeastern region.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lespedeza |
| Species | Cuneata |
Appearance
Lespedeza Cuneata grows up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It has a single stem and branches out into several smaller stems with leaves that are 3-foliate and alternate. The leaves are oval-shaped and have smooth edges with a length of about 2-3 inches. The flowers are small and purple or pink in color and bloom from August to October. Each flower is about 1/4 inch long and has a calyx with 5 teeth and a corolla with 5 petals.
Care Guide
Lespedeza Cuneata requires moderate care and maintenance. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
- Sunlight: Lespedeza Cuneata prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lespedeza Cuneata is not prone to many pests and diseases, but it can be affected by the following:
- Mites: These small insects can cause yellowing and curling of leaves.
- Aphids: These insects suck the sap out of the plant and cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
- Root Rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt and die.
Habitat
Lespedeza Cuneata is native to eastern Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. It was introduced to North America in the early 1900s as a forage crop and erosion control plant. It is now found in many parts of the United States, particularly in the southeastern region, where it has become an invasive species. It grows in various habitats, including fields, meadows, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lespedeza Cuneata toxic to humans?
A: No, Lespedeza Cuneata is not toxic to humans.
Q: How often should I water Lespedeza Cuneata?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can Lespedeza Cuneata grow in partial shade?
A: Yes, Lespedeza Cuneata prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Q: Is Lespedeza Cuneata an invasive species?
A: Yes, Lespedeza Cuneata has become an invasive species in many parts of the United States, particularly in the southeastern region.
Related Plants
- Lespedeza Bicolor
- Lespedeza Capitata
- Lespedeza Cuneata ‘Gibraltar’
- Lespedeza Thunbergii
References
- USDA Plants Database: Lespedeza Cuneata
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Lespedeza Cuneata
- Invasive.org: Lespedeza Cuneata
