Overview
Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers. var. sericea Forbes & Hemsley, commonly known as Korean lespedeza, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to China, Korea, and Japan, but it has also been introduced to other parts of the world.
Description
Korean lespedeza is a perennial plant that grows up to 1-3 feet tall. It has a woody stem with numerous branching stems. The leaves are alternate, trifoliate, and about 2-3 inches long. The flowers are clustered on an elongated spike and are purple or pink. The fruit is a small pod with several small seeds.
Uses
Korean lespedeza has several uses, including as a forage crop for livestock, soil improvement, erosion control, and as an ornamental plant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and urinary problems.
Korean lespedeza is tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions, making it a useful species for land reclamation and restoration projects. It is often used to stabilize roadsides and other areas prone to erosion.
Common Names
Korean lespedeza has many common names, including Japan clover, Korean bush clover, Chinese bush clover, silk bush, prairie clover, and lespedeza juncea.
Light
Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers. var. sericea Forbes & Hemsley is a sun-loving plant that thrives in bright conditions. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly. Indirect light may be sufficient, but it will not produce the same quality yield.
Temperature
The optimal temperature range for Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers. var. sericea Forbes & Hemsley growth is between 18°C to 30°C. It is a hardy plant that can grow in cooler temperatures but will not produce high yields. Temperatures below 10°C can be detrimental to its growth, whereas temperatures above 35°C can lead to heat stress and reduced productivity.
Soil
Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers. var. sericea Forbes & Hemsley grows best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It can tolerate soils that are mildly acidic, but it will not perform well in waterlogged or heavy clay soils. Adequate drainage is necessary to avoid root rot. Fertile soils rich in organic matter are beneficial for proper growth.
Cultivation methods for Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers. var. sericea Forbes & Hemsley
Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers. var. sericea Forbes & Hemsley, commonly known as Chinese lespedeza, is a warm-season perennial legume that is native to eastern Asia. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from acidic to slightly alkaline. When cultivating Chinese lespedeza, it is important to space the plants at least 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and development.
Watering needs for Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers. var. sericea Forbes & Hemsley
Chinese lespedeza requires moderate amounts of water to thrive but is fairly drought-tolerant once established. It is important to water the plants deeply and infrequently rather than giving them frequent shallow watering. This will help the roots grow deeply into the soil and make the plant more resilient in times of drought.
Fertilization for Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers. var. sericea Forbes & Hemsley
Chinese lespedeza is a legume and, therefore, has the ability to fix nitrogen from the air. However, adding nitrogen-rich fertilizer can help boost growth and yield. It is recommended to apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in midsummer for best results.
Pruning for Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers. var. sericea Forbes & Hemsley
Pruning is not required for Chinese lespedeza but can help to maintain a compact and tidy appearance. Prune the plants in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Propagation of Lespedeza juncea var. sericea
Lespedeza juncea var. sericea, commonly known as Chinese Bushclover, is a deciduous shrub that is native to East Asia. This plant can be propagated through multiple methods including seed propagation, softwood cuttings, and division.
Seed propagation
Chinese Bushclover can be easily propagated through seeds. The seeds are usually collected from mature fruits that ripen from July to October. The collected seeds are usually air-dried and stored in a cool and dry place for further use. Sow the seed in the spring and regularly water until the plant is established.
Softwood cuttings
Softwood cuttings is another method of propagation for Chinese Bushclover. The best time to take softwood cuttings is between late spring and mid-summer. Take a 6-inch cutting from a young stem that is preferably tender and has no flower buds. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, just below a node, and remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting. Dip the stem into a rooting hormone before dipping it into a rooting medium. Keep the cutting in a warm and humid environment and make sure to keep the soil moist. Within a couple of weeks, you should see new growth.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Chinese Bushclover, but it is mostly done on mature plants that have outgrown their space. This method involves the separation of the plant's roots and dividing it into smaller sections. This can be done in the early spring before new growth appears. Once the plant is dug up, carefully divide the roots and plant the new sections at the same depth as the original plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers. var. sericea Forbes & Hemsley
Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers. var. sericea Forbes & Hemsley is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause brown or black spots on the leaves of Lespedeza juncea. It is caused by several different species of fungi, including Cercospora and Phyllosticta. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicides as needed.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots of Lespedeza juncea to rot and die. It is caused by overwatering or poorly-drained soil. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can be used to treat severe cases of root rot.
Pests
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are a common pest that can feed on the foliage and flowers of Lespedeza juncea. They are most active in the summer months. To manage Japanese beetles, handpick them from the plant or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Keep the area around the plant free from debris that may attract the beetles.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are small, sap-sucking pests that can cause yellowing, stunted growth, and webbing on the leaves of Lespedeza juncea. They are most active in hot, dry weather. To manage spider mites, regularly spray the plant with water to increase humidity and reduce spider mite populations. In severe cases, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
