Overview
Lespedeza angustifolia, also known as narrowleaf lespedeza or slimbrush lespedeza, is a small, herbaceous plant native to North America. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is commonly found in prairies, open woods, and roadsides.
Appearance
The narrowleaf lespedeza is a bushy, low-growing plant that reaches a height of 1-3 feet. It has slender stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are 1-2 inches long. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and are hairy underneath. In the summer, narrowleaf lespedeza produces clusters of small, pink to purple flowers that are about 1/4 inch long. The flowers give way to small, oblong seed pods that are about 1/8 inch long.
Uses
Narrowleaf lespedeza has some medicinal properties as its roots are used as a diuretic to increase urine flow and treat edema. The plant is also a source of food for wildlife, particularly for deer, quail, and wild turkey. In addition, it is often used in erosion control and for soil stabilization in areas with sandy soils.
Furthermore, narrowleaf lespedeza is an important forage grass for livestock. It is rich in protein and can be grazed in the late summer and early fall. It can also be harvested for hay and silage.
Cultivation
Narrowleaf lespedeza is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is typically propagated by seed and can be sown in the fall or spring. The plant is also capable of reseeding itself. Once established, it requires little maintenance and can be mowed in the fall to keep it from becoming too woody.
Light Requirements
Lespedeza angustifolia (Pursh) Ell. requires full sunlight to grow properly. It is a sun-loving plant and needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If it receives insufficient light, its growth can become leggy, and it can become prone to diseases such as powdery mildew.
Temperature Requirements
Lespedeza angustifolia (Pursh) Ell. is a hardy plant and can survive in a variety of temperature ranges. However, it prefers moderate temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit at night. The plant can survive winter temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral in pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. It can grow in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, or sand, but requires good drainage to prevent root rot. The ideal soil texture is loamy, with a good mix of sand, silt, and clay.
Cultivation methods
Lespedeza angustifolia is best grown from seeds directly sown outdoors in the fall or early spring. Choose a location with well-drained soil that receives plenty of sunlight, as the plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and other debris and working in organic matter such as compost or aged manure. The seeds can be sown thinly and covered with a thin layer of soil, with a spacing of around 18 inches between plants. Water well after planting and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Watering needs
Lespedeza angustifolia prefers moist soil but is also drought-tolerant once established. Water the plants deeply once a week during the growing season, or more often during hot and dry weather, especially if they are grown in containers or in sandy soil. Avoid watering the foliage as this may encourage the growth of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Lespedeza angustifolia does not require a lot of fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in early spring before new growth appears. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause lush growth at the expense of flowers. If you notice that the plant is not growing well or has yellow leaves, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer can help to give it a boost.
Pruning
Lespedeza angustifolia benefits from pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Cut back some of the old growth to ground level or to a few inches above if you want to maintain the plant's shape. This encourages new growth and helps to prevent the plant from becoming too woody and sprawling. Deadheading the faded flowers as soon as they appear can also help to prolong blooming and prevent self-seeding.
Propagation of Lespedeza Angustifolia (Pursh) Ell.
Lespedeza angustifolia (Pursh) Ell. is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae and can reproduce by both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual Propagation
The seeds of Lespedeza angustifolia (Pursh) Ell. can be collected in the fall when they ripen and are then sown in the spring. Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified to break the hard seed coat to aid in germination. This can be done by passing the seeds through the digestive tract of a bird or by soaking in hot water for 24 hours. After scarification, the seeds should be planted in well-draining soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5, at a depth twice the size of the seed, and with 1 to 2 plants per inch of row. The seedlings will emerge in 4 to 10 days and will require regular watering until they are established.
Asexual Propagation
Lespedeza angustifolia (Pursh) Ell. can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings taken in the summer. The cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long and taken from the current year's growth. The leaves on the lower third of the stem should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings can be buried in well-draining soil at a depth of 1 inch, with 2 to 3 cuttings per inch of row. They should be watered regularly until they are established. Rooting can occur in 2 to 4 weeks.
Disease Management
Lespedeza angustifolia (Pursh) Ell. is generally resistant to diseases. However, it is susceptible to some diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. The spots may also have yellow halos around them. To manage this disease, infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed, and fungicide should be applied as soon as the symptoms are noticed.
- Bacterial blight: This bacterial disease causes small, water-soaked spots on the leaves, which later turn brown and fall off. Infected stems may develop cankers and eventually die. The best way to manage this disease is by removing and destroying infected plant parts and applying copper-based fungicides.
To prevent the occurrence of these diseases, it is recommended that the plant is grown in well-drained soil and that proper cultural practices like crop rotation and cleaning of garden tools are adhered to. Avoid planting in areas where these diseases have been reported in the past.
Pest Management
Lespedeza angustifolia (Pursh) Ell. is susceptible to some pests, including:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These are tiny, eight-legged pests that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing yellow stippling and webbing. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a pesticide or by using a strong stream of water to dislodge them from the plant.
- Japanese beetles: These are metallic green and brown beetles that eat the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing severe damage. They can be controlled by handpicking them from the plant or by using a trap or a pesticide.
To prevent the occurrence of these pests, it is recommended that the plant is grown in full sun and that proper cultural practices like crop rotation and regular inspection of the plant are adhered to. Avoid planting in areas where these pests have been reported in the past.