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Description
Lespedeza Repens is a low-growing, perennial plant that belongs to the pea family. It is also known as Creeping Lespedeza or Trailing Lespedeza. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and is widely used as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes. Lespedeza Repens is well-known for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which means it can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that can be used by plants.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Lespedeza |
Appearance
Lespedeza Repens has small, oval-shaped leaves that are green in color. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and are trifoliate, which means each leaf is composed of three leaflets. The flowers of this plant are small, pink, and grow in clusters. Lespedeza Repens is a low-growing plant that spreads through runners and can reach a height of 6-12 inches.
Care Guide
Lespedeza Repens is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring.
- Soil: Lespedeza Repens prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Lespedeza Repens is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lespedeza Repens is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Lespedeza Repens is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in gardens and landscapes around the world. It grows well in a variety of soil types and can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lespedeza Repens an invasive species?
A: No, Lespedeza Repens is not considered an invasive species. It is widely cultivated for its nitrogen-fixing ability and as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes.
Q: Can Lespedeza Repens be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lespedeza Repens can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s spreading habit.
Q: Does Lespedeza Repens attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the flowers of Lespedeza Repens attract bees and other pollinators.
Q: Can Lespedeza Repens be used as a lawn substitute?
A: Yes, Lespedeza Repens can be used as a lawn substitute in areas with low foot traffic.
Related Plants
- Lespedeza Capitata
- Lespedeza Stipulacea
- Lespedeza Thunbergii
References
- Bonnie Plants. (n.d.). Creeping Lespedeza: How to Grow and Care for Lespedeza Repens. Retrieved from https://bonnieplants.com/growing/growing-creeping-lespedeza/
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Lespedeza Repens. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c100
- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Lespedeza Repens. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lespedeza-repens/
