Origin and Common Names
Lespedeza procumbens Michx. var. elliptica Blake, also known as Roundhead bush-clover, is a species of flowering plant in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to the eastern and central regions of the United States, ranging from Florida to Connecticut, and west to Texas and Oklahoma. It is typically found in open woodlands, prairies, and along roadsides.
General Appearance
The Roundhead bush-clover plant typically grows to be about one to two feet tall and wide. It is a low-growing and spreading, perennial herb that has a woody base with multiple stems. The leaves are dark green and arranged alternately on the stems, with 3 oval leaflets on each petiole. The flowers are small, pink to lavender, and shaped like a pea, and form a terminal spike that blooms from late summer to early autumn. The fruit is a small, brown, and flattened pod that contains one or two seeds.
Uses
The Roundhead bush-clover plant has a few uses such as providing wildlife habitat, erosion control, and as a source of forage for livestock. It is also used in ecological restoration projects for its nitrogen-fixing ability and its ability to stabilize soil. Its attractive pink to lavender blooms make it a popular choice for butterfly and hummingbird gardens. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat menstrual and digestive problems.
Light Requirements
Lespedeza procumbens Michx. var. elliptica Blake requires full sunlight to grow well. It can tolerate partial shade, but full sun exposure is essential for optimal growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot survive in extremely cold conditions. Lespedeza procumbens Michx. var. elliptica Blake grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8. It is highly tolerant of heat and drought conditions, making it an ideal plant for regions with hot summers and low rainfall.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged soils and performs best in soils with good drainage. Lespedeza procumbens Michx. var. elliptica Blake also prefers nutrient-rich soils and benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Lespedeza procumbens Michx. var. elliptica Blake, commonly known as Trailing Lespedeza, is an easy-to-grow plant. It is hardy to USDA Zones 5-9 and prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade. This plant is tolerant of a wide range of soils from light sandy soils to heavier clay soils.
The best time to plant trailing Lespedeza is in the fall; however, it can be planted in the spring as well. To propagate trailing Lespedeza, you can sow seeds or take cuttings in late spring and summer.
Watering Needs
Watering trailing Lespedeza regularly is important to keep it healthy. This plant prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate periods of drought. During the growing season, provide the plant with about an inch of water per week. The plant can tolerate wet soils, but overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Trailing Lespedeza does not require much fertilization. However, to ensure the plant has the nutrients it needs, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause the plant to produce too much foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Pruning trailing Lespedeza is not essential, but it can help maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. At this time, you can remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also prune to shape the plant or control its size.
When pruning, use sharp, sterile pruning shears. Cut back the branches to just above a node, which is where the leaves attach to the stem. Avoid cutting into the woody part of the stem as this can damage the plant and make it more susceptible to diseases.
Propagation of Lespedeza Procumbens Michx. var. Elliptica Blake
Lespedeza procumbens Michx. var. elliptica Blake, commonly known as trailing lespedeza or trailing bush clover, is a low-growing plant commonly found in the southeastern region of the United States. It is a warm-season perennial legume that can be propagated through several methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Lespedeza procumbens Michx. var. elliptica Blake is through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected from the plant after the flowers have bloomed and the pods have turned brown and dry. The seeds need to be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until ready for planting. When planting, the seeds can be sown directly in the soil, ideally in the fall, or started indoors in pots. When planting, it's important to ensure that the seeds are not planted too deeply, about ΒΌ inch deep, and that the soil is kept moist until germination.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Lespedeza procumbens Michx. var. elliptica Blake is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a healthy, established plant and rooting it in soil. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer before the plant has gone to seed. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from the non-flowering part of the stem. To root the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil. Cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots have formed. Once roots have formed, the new plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Division Propagation
Lespedeza procumbens Michx. var. elliptica Blake can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing an established plant into smaller sections and replanting them in new locations. This method is best done in the spring or early fall when the plant is not actively growing. To divide the plant, dig up the entire root system and carefully separate the plant into smaller sections. Each section should have a portion of the root system and some top growth. The new plants can then be replanted in a desired location.
Disease Management
Lespedeza procumbens Michx. var. elliptica Blake is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, there are some diseases that might affect the plant, such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. The best way to manage powdery mildew is to improve air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected leaves promptly.
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that can cause dark spots on the leaves. Removing infected leaves and providing good air circulation is essential for managing leaf spot. Moreover, applying a fungicide can also help control the spread of the disease.
Root rot is a fungal disease that can cause the plant's root system to decay, leading to the plant's death. Avoiding overwatering and ensuring that the plant has good drainage can help manage root rot. Moreover, removing any infected plant material promptly can also help control the disease.
Pest Management
Lespedeza procumbens Michx. var. elliptica Blake is generally resistant to pest infestations. However, some pests can still cause problems, such as spider mites, aphids, and Japanese beetles.
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing of leaves. Spraying the plant with water and applying insecticidal soap can help control spider mites.
Aphids are another common plant pest that can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. The best way to manage aphids is to remove them by hand or using a strong spray of water. Alternatively, applying an insecticidal soap can help control the pest.
Japanese beetles are a type of beetle that feed on plant leaves, often skeletonizing them. Handpicking the beetles and placing them in soapy water is an effective way to control Japanese beetles. Additionally, applying a pesticide can also help control the pest.
Overall, maintaining healthy plant conditions, such as providing good air circulation, adequate water, and proper fertilization, can help prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests. Additionally, promptly removing any infected plant material can prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
