Overview of Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern.
Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. is a plant belonging to the pea family, Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the hairy lespedeza, velvety lespedeza, bush clover or silky bush clover. This perennial plant is native to the eastern United States, specifically from Maine to Florida and west towards Arkansas.
General Appearance
The hairy lespedeza is a small, erect, and bushy plant that typically grows up to 1.5 meters tall. The plant has a deep taproot system, a densely hairy stem, and branches that spread as they grow taller. The leaves are small, alternate and a dull green color, and they grow on short stalks.
The flowers of the plant usually begin to show in midsummer and can persist until late fall. The flowers are small, conspicuous, and pink or white in color. They grow in compact, rounded clusters at the top of the plant's stem. As the flowers mature, they develop into seed pods containing one to four seeds.
Uses
Hairy lespedeza has been used for various purposes. This plant provides nourishment to livestock and wildlife animals, especially during the winter months. Additionally, the plant has been used to control soil erosion, and to restore damaged ecosystems because it fixes atmospheric nitrogen, which helps to improve soil fertility.
Hairy lespedeza also has medicinal properties. Native Americans used the plant to treat digestive problems, fever, and skin conditions. The plant contains flavonoids, tannins, and other chemicals that have been studied for their potential use in treating diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. is a versatile plant that has been used for various purposes. From being a source of nourishment or rehabilitation to animals and environments to its medicinal potential, the hairy lespedeza is a prominent figure in the ecology of the eastern United States.
Light requirements
Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. is a plant that thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with less sun exposure, the plant may grow but not at its full capacity. Therefore, it is recommended to grow it in an open field or garden where there is no shading from trees or other plants.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature for Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. growth is between 60-85°F (15-29°C). The plant can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C) during the winter season, but it does not do well in extreme heat and drought.
Soil requirements
The soil requirements for Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. are specific. The plant prefers well-draining soils that are moist and rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5-7.0. It can tolerate mildly acidic soils but not highly acidic ones. The plant does not do well in waterlogged soils or those with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. is a perennial herb that thrives in most well-draining soils. Plant the seeds in early spring or fall in a location that receives full sunlight, and ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Make sure you space the plants at 12-15 inches apart, and maintain consistent soil moisture.
Watering Needs
Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. requires moderate watering to establish the roots in the first year. The plant can tolerate drought conditions, but it is best to water it when rainfall is less than an inch per week. During the summer or dry weather, water Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. at least once a week or when the top 2-4 inches of the soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and cause damage to the plant.
Fertilization
Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. requires little or no fertilization as it can fix atmospheric nitrogen. However, you can add a slow-release fertilizer at a rate of one tablespoon per square foot in spring, before the first flush of new growth. Be careful not to add too much nitrogen, as it can cause excessive stem and foliage growth, which can be prone to lodging or falling over.
Pruning
Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. requires minimal pruning, and it's best to prune the plant in early spring before the new growth appears. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems with a sharp and sterile blade. You can also cut back the stems by one-third of the height to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape. Avoid pruning the plant during the flowering season as it can affect the blooming.
Propagation of Lespedeza Capitata Michx. var. Velutina (Bickn.) Fern.
Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual reproduction methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant produces seeds that can be collected after they dry up and become brown. To propagate the plant through seeds:
- Collect the seeds from the plant and store them in a cool, dry place.
- Prepare a seedbed and loosen the soil to a depth of 6 inches.
- Add compost to the soil to increase fertility and mix well.
- Sow the seeds lightly on the soil surface and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
- Water the soil lightly and keep it moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate.
- Thin out the seedlings to a distance of 5-6 inches when they are about 4 inches tall.
Asexual Propagation
The plant can also be propagated vegetatively through cuttings and layering.
Cuttings:- Take cuttings of 4-6 inches long from healthy plants during the growing season.
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
- Insert the cutting into moist rooting medium, such as perlite or vermiculite.
- Water the medium and keep it moist until the cutting roots and starts to grow.
- Transplant the rooted cutting to a pot or to the ground.
- Select a healthy branch from the plant and bend it down to the ground.
- Make a small wound on the stem where it touches the ground, and apply rooting hormone.
- Cover the wounded part of the stem with soil, leaving the tip of the branch above the ground.
- Water the soil and keep it moist until roots grow from the wounded part of the stem.
- Cut the stem from the parent plant and transplant the new plant to a pot or to the ground.
By following these propagation methods, Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. can be easily reproduced to increase the plant population.
Disease and Pest Management for Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern.
Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern., commonly known as Roundhead lespedeza, is a perennial legume that is native to the eastern and southeastern parts of the United States. Although this plant is relatively disease and pest resistant, some pests and diseases can still affect its growth and productivity. To maintain healthy plants and prevent significant losses, it is important to implement an integrated pest management program that involves regular monitoring and prompt action.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. is powdery mildew, caused by the fungal pathogen Erysiphe pisi. This disease can significantly reduce the plant's growth and yield by affecting its photosynthetic capacity. Additionally, stem blight caused by the fungus Phomopsis longicolla can cause dieback and defoliation of the plant.
To manage these fungal diseases, it is important to maintain a clean growing area by removing plant debris and minimizing humidity levels. Fungicides such as sulfur or copper-based products can be applied preventively or curatively depending on the severity of the infections. In addition, resistant cultivars of Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. are available and can be planted to reduce disease incidence.
Common Pests
While Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. is relatively resistant to pests, some insects can still cause significant damage. The most common pests that affect this plant include the lespedeza webworm (Loxostege similalis) and the legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata).
Lespedeza webworm larvae can defoliate the plant and cause significant yield losses. To manage this pest, insecticides such as spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis can be applied when the larvae are small. Additionally, plowing under the crop debris at the end of the growing season can reduce overwintering sites for the larvae.
Legume pod borers can attack the developing pods and reduce seed quality and yield. Handpicking and destroying infested pods, and applying insecticides such as neem oil or pyrethroids can help reduce the impact of this pest.
Conclusion
Lespedeza capitata Michx. var. velutina (Bickn.) Fern. can be affected by some diseases and pests that can reduce its growth and productivity. However, with proper management practices, such as maintaining a clean growing area, planting resistant cultivars, and using integrated pest management strategies, the impact of these pests and diseases can be significantly reduced.
