Overview of Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. intercursa Fern.
Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. intercursa Fern. is a herbaceous plant belonging to the legume family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as hairy lespedeza, fuzzy lespedeza, or hairy bushclover. This perennial plant is native to North America and can be found throughout the eastern and central United States.
General Appearance
Lespedeza hirta var. intercursa is a small deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet. The plant often grows in clumps and has many hairy branches. The leaves are pinnately compound, with each leaf having around 8-16 leaflets. The leaflets are oblong to lanceolate and can be up to an inch long. The plant’s flowers are small and pink or purple in color, residing in racemes at the end of the branches. Each flower has five petals.
Utilization and Uses
Lespedeza hirta var. intercursa is used for various purposes in different industries. In agriculture, this plant can be used as a cover crop and forage. It also has nitrogen-fixing properties, which is helpful for fertility maintenance. The plant is considered a soil stabilizer, preventing soil erosion. Furthermore, the roots and branches of this plant can be used for making herbal teas and medicines.
Aside from its agricultural and medicinal uses, Lespedeza hirta var. intercursa is also used for landscaping. Its flowers bloom from late summer to early fall, making it a desirable plant for the garden. It is also used for soil erosion control in landscaped areas.
As a legume, Lespedeza hirta is an important source of food for many wildlife species like deer, turkeys, and quails.
Light Requirements
Lespedeza hirta var. intercursa Fern. is a sun-loving plant that requires plenty of direct sunlight to grow and thrive. In fact, it is one of those species that can tolerate full sun exposure without any negative impact. Therefore, it is important to plant it in areas that receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Preferences
Lespedeza hirta var. intercursa Fern. grows best in an environment with moderate temperatures. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures from -30 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. However, optimal growth and development occur in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Lespedeza hirta var. intercursa Fern. is not very demanding when it comes to soil quality. However, it prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay loam, sandy loam, and loamy soils. It also grows well in areas with moderate soil fertility, but applying organic matter such as compost or aged manure can stimulate growth and improve soil quality.
Cultivation Methods:
Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. intercursa Fern. is a versatile plant that can grow in various soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils. However, it prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant also prefers full sun to grow optimally but can tolerate partial shade.
The best time to plant Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. intercursa Fern. is in the spring or early fall. When planting, ensure that you dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball. Mix compost or organic matter with the soil and fill the hole, making sure that the plant is at the same level as in the container. Pack the soil gently around the plant and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Watering Needs:
Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. intercursa Fern. requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. However, it is crucial to ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot. Before watering, ensure that the top 2-3 inches of the soil are dry. When watering, apply water evenly around the plant's base, making sure that the water penetrates deeply to the plant's roots.
Fertilization:
Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. intercursa Fern. does not require significant fertilization, but it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer application during the growing season. Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer around the plant's base, following the package directions. Avoid applying fertilizer during the plant's dormant periods to prevent damage to the plant.
Pruning:
Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. intercursa Fern. requires minimal pruning. However, you can prune the plant to promote bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged stems or branches. Prune after the plant's blooming period to prevent cutting off any potential blooms. When pruning, use sharp and clean pruning shears to make clean cuts.
Propagation of Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. intercursa Fern.
Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. intercursa Fern. is a low-growing perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is commonly known as hairy lespedeza or rough lespedeza, and it is native to eastern and central North America. The plant typically grows up to 1.5 feet in height, and it produces purple or pink flowers in late summer and early fall.
Propagation Methods
The propagation of Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. intercursa Fern. can be done through various methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. intercursa Fern. The seeds should be sown in the fall directly into the soil, at a depth of around 0.25 inches. The seeds should be sown in areas with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. The seedlings will emerge in the spring, and they can be transplanted in early summer once they reach a height of around 4-6 inches.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is also possible for Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. intercursa Fern. The plant can be propagated through cuttings, root division, or layering. Cuttings should be taken in mid-summer, and they should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they start to root. Root division can be done in fall or spring by dividing the plant's roots with a sharp knife, ensuring that each division has roots and several shoots. Layering can be done in the spring by burying a stem of the plant into the soil, leaving the tip exposed, and keeping the soil moist until roots form.
Overall, Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem. var. intercursa Fern. is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and it can spread quickly once established.
Disease Management
Lespedeza hirta var. intercursa Fern. is a hardy plant that is not commonly affected by diseases. However, some diseases can still occur with improper care, such as:
- Anthracnose - This disease causes leaves to turn yellow or brown and drop from the plant. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant material and applying fungicides.
- Mildew - Powdery mildew can affect the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be managed by improving air circulation around the plant and applying fungicides.
- Bacterial blight - This disease causes water-soaked lesions on leaves, stems, and pods. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant material and applying copper-based fungicides.
To prevent the occurrence of diseases, it is important to provide proper care for Lespedeza hirta var. intercursa Fern. This includes maintaining proper soil pH and moisture levels, avoiding over-fertilization, ensuring adequate sunlight, and removing weeds and other plant debris that may harbor disease.
Pest Management
Like with diseases, Lespedeza hirta var. intercursa Fern. is not commonly affected by pests. However, some pests can still be a problem, such as:
- Japanese beetles - These pests can feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing significant damage. They can be managed by handpicking and removing them from the plant and applying insecticides.
- Aphids - These pests suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowed leaves. They can be managed by spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites - These pests can cause yellow speckling on the leaves and can be difficult to manage. They can be managed by spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil and providing adequate soil moisture to reduce stress on the plant.
To prevent the occurrence of pests, it is important to maintain a healthy plant by providing proper care, such as regular watering, fertilization, and pruning. Additionally, removing weeds and other debris that may harbor pests can help prevent infestations.
