The Plant of Interest: Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. appressipilis Blake
Lespedeza hirta, commonly known as hairy bush clover, is a shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to eastern North America, from Maine to Florida, and west to Texas, Oklahoma, and Montana. The variety appressipilis Blake is found in the southeastern United States.
Appearance
The hairy bush clover is a perennial plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It is a densely branched shrub with multiple stems that form a spreading mound. The leaves are alternate, hairy, and trifoliate, with oblong leaflets that have a pointed tip and a dark green color. The flowers are pink to purplish-red, pea-shaped, and arranged in clusters along the stems. The plant blooms in mid-summer to late fall, and the fruit is a small, hairy, flattened pod containing one or two seeds.
Uses
Lespedeza hirta is used for various purposes, including erosion control, wildlife habitat and food source, and ornamental landscaping. The plant is known to improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen, and it is often used in reclamation projects to restore degraded land. It provides a source of food for wildlife, such as quail, turkey, and deer, and it serves as an important nectar source for bees and butterflies. In landscaping, the plant is grown for its attractive flowers and foliage, and it can be used as a hedge or a border plant.
Lespedeza hirta has also been used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. The plant is known to have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and digestive properties, and it has been used to treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and digestive ailments in Native American and African-American folk medicine.
Conclusion
Lespedeza hirta var. appressipilis Blake is a native North American shrub with several beneficial uses. It is renowned for its erosion control, wildlife habitat, and ornamental landscaping properties. Additionally, its traditional medicinal properties make it an important plant in folk medicine. The attractive flowers and dense foliage make it a must-have in any garden, while the shrub’s growth in almost any soil make it an easy plant to cultivate.
Light Requirements
Lespedeza hirta var. appressipilis prefers to grow in areas with full sun exposure. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its growth and development. Lack of sufficient sunlight may lead to stunted growth and underdevelopment of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant species grows well in a range of temperatures typical of temperate climates. The optimal temperature range for Lespedeza hirta var. appressipilis is between 10°C to 30°C. The plant can endure extreme temperatures as low as -23°C and as high as 38°C. The plant can survive frost, but given the presence of snow frost and the lack of sunlight, there may be growth retardation.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in various soil types, including loamy and sandy soil. The soil must have moderate porosity, good drainage, and mild acidity. Soil pH levels between 6.0 and 7.0 are the most suitable for the growth of Lespedeza hirta var. appressipilis. High soil acidity could hinder the absorption of essential nutrients as it unbalances the soil's chemical composition.
The recommended soil organic matter content is between 2% to 4%. The presence of high soil organic matter content ensures the soil retains moisture, keeping the roots moist and nourished. Regular top dressing of organic compost is recommended to ensure the soil remains fertile.
Cultivation Methods
Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. appressipilis Blake is a hardy plant that can be easily grown in a variety of soil types. It prefers well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. The best time to plant it is in the spring or fall, as these seasons provide optimal growth conditions. It is advised to plant these plants in a location where they will receive full sunlight.
Watering Needs
Consistent moisture is essential for the growth of Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. appressipilis Blake. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the summer months when the weather gets hot and dry. The soil should be evenly moist, but not waterlogged. The plant should not be allowed to dry out completely between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. appressipilis Blake does not require high levels of fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. Organic fertilizers such as compost or aged manure can also be used to improve soil fertility. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive vegetative growth, which reduces the plant's ability to produce flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. appressipilis Blake, as the plant has a natural bushy growth habit. However, removing dead or decaying plant material is recommended to prevent disease and promote healthy growth. Pinching back the tips of young plants can encourage bushier growth. It is also important to remove weeds and debris from around the base of the plant to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture.
Propagation of Lespedeza Hirta Var. Appressipilis Blake
Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. appressipilis Blake, commonly known as Hairy lespedeza or Tall lespedeza, is a hardy herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the legume family. It is a popular forage crop and is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The plant can be easily propagated through various methods.
Propagation by Seed
The most common method of propagating Lespedeza hirta var. appressipilis Blake is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown directly in the ground during the fall season. The seedlings will emerge in the spring and will mature in their second year of growth. Seeds can also be stored in a cool, dry place for up to two years before sowing.
Propagation by Division
Another effective method of propagating Lespedeza hirta var. appressipilis Blake is through division. This method involves digging up the plant and dividing its root system into several sections. Each section should contain a healthy shoot and a well-developed root system. These sections can then be planted in different locations. Division should be done during the spring season to ensure successful growth.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Lespedeza hirta var. appressipilis Blake can also be done through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the summer season. The cuttings should be about four inches long and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained potting mix and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The cuttings should be kept in a shady location and watered regularly until roots emerge. Once the roots have developed, the plant can be transplanted into the ground.
Conclusion
Propagation of Lespedeza hirta var. appressipilis Blake is an easy process that can be done through seed, division, or cutting. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of propagation method will depend on the desired outcome and available resources.
Disease Management
Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. appressipilis Blake is vulnerable to various diseases that can significantly reduce the yield and quality of the plant if left untreated. Here are some common diseases that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause brown spots and lesions in the leaves, stems, and pods of Lespedeza hirta. This can lead to premature defoliation and reduce yield. To manage anthracnose, apply fungicides as soon as the symptoms appear. Follow the instructions on the fungicide label, and ensure proper coverage of the plant.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that manifests as yellow or reddish-brown rusty spots on the leaves, stems, and pods of Lespedeza hirta. Rust can stunt plant growth and reduce yield. To manage rust, apply fungicides at the first sign of the disease and remove infected plant parts to prevent further spread of the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of Lespedeza hirta. The plant will show wilting, yellowing leaves or patches. The infected roots will turn brown or black, and some will rot away. To manage root rot, use a well-drained soil mix and avoid overwatering the plant. Use fungicides to treat the affected plant and dispose of the affected plant tissues.
Pest Management
Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. appressipilis Blake is susceptible to several pests that can cause significant damage and yield loss. Here are some common pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Bean Leaf Beetle
Bean leaf beetle is a common pest that attacks Lespedeza hirta. These pests can skeletonize leaves and cause defoliation, reducing the yield. To control bean leaf beetle, use insecticides and ensure proper coverage of the plant. Scout regularly for eggs on leaves and up the stem. Populations that have already laid eggs should be controlled with timely insecticides applications.
Cutworms
Cutworms are another pest that can cause significant damage to Lespedeza hirta. These insects cut off young plants at the base, causing wilting and death. To manage cutworms, apply insecticides and use other cultural control measures such as crop rotation, clean tillage, and weed management.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are a common pest that suck sap from the plants, leading to discoloration and leaf fall. The infested plant will show signs of the lesion in terms of speckled appearance on leaves. To control spider mites, introduce biological control agents such as ladybugs or use insecticides to control the infestation.
