Overview
Lespedeza repens (L.) W. Bart., commonly known as creeping lespedeza, is a perennial legume plant. It is a member of the Fabaceae family and is native to Asia, but has been introduced to and naturalized in North America.
Appearance
Creeping lespedeza grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet, with a spread of 3 to 6 feet. It has multiple stems that are woody at the base, but herbaceous above. The leaves are trifoliate, meaning they have three leaflets. The leaflets are elliptical, 10-25 mm long and 5-8 mm wide. The flowers are small, pink to purple, and produced in dense clusters that are up to 4 inches long. The seeds are small, brown, and kidney-shaped.
Uses
Creeping lespedeza is commonly used for erosion control, ground cover, and as a forage crop for livestock. It is also used in ecological restoration projects and in wildlife habitat restoration. The plant's ability to fix nitrogen in the soil makes it an excellent cover crop.
The plant also has medicinal properties, as it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Furthermore, the roots of creeping lespedeza contain compounds that are being researched for their potential to treat cancer and diabetes.
Common Names
Creeping lespedeza is commonly known by other names, such as prostrate lespedeza, trailing lespedeza, and bush-clover.
Light Requirements
Lespedeza repens is a plant that requires full sun or partial shade to grow properly. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day is essential for the plant to thrive. In shaded areas, the plant may not grow as vigorously.
Temperature Requirements
The plant does well in temperatures ranging between 60°F to 90°F. For optimal growth, the plant requires an average temperature of around 75°F. In temperatures below 50°F, the plant growth slows down, and below 32°F, it can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Lespedeza repens plant prefers well-drained soils that are porous and have good water retention capacity. It is not very picky when it comes to soil types and can grow in a wide range of soil pH, though a slightly acidic soil is the best. A soil pH of 5.5 - 6.5 is ideal for the plant. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients for the plant to grow properly.
Cultivation Methods
Lespedeza repens (L.) W. Bart, commonly known as creeping lespedeza, grows well in well-draining soils that are acidic. This plant can tolerate poor soil conditions and can survive in areas with varying sunlight exposure. It is recommended to plant this species in areas that get a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. It can be planted as a ground cover or in a mixed border with other perennials.
Watering Needs
Watering is essential when establishing creeping lespedeza. Young plants require regular watering until they have developed sufficient root systems to withstand drought. Once fully established, the plant can tolerate long periods of dry weather. However, it is recommended to water this species once a week, providing it with around one inch of water. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot and other problems.
Fertilization
Creeping lespedeza is not typically a heavy feeder. However, the plant will benefit from a yearly application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring, before new growth appears. Fertilizer should be applied over the soil, away from the plant's stem, and should be watered in after application. Organic compost or manure can also be used to improve soil fertility
Pruning
Creeping lespedeza requires very little pruning and can be left to grow naturally. However, it can be pruned back in late winter to early spring before the new growth appears. This removes the dead wood and encourages new growth from the base of the plant. Pruning can also help to control the plant's size and shape.
Propagation of Lespedeza repens
Lespedeza repens (also called creeping lespedeza or slender lespedeza) can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation, division, and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Lespedeza repens can be directly sown outdoors in the spring or fall. Prior to sowing, the seeds should be scarified (nicked or abraded) to aid in germination. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch and the soil should be kept consistently moist until the seedlings emerge.
Division
Lespedeza repens can also be propagated through division. This method involves digging up an established plant and separating the roots into smaller clumps. Each clump should have several stems and a healthy root system. The smaller clumps can then be replanted in a new location.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is another option for Lespedeza repens. Softwood cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer and should be approximately 4-6 inches in length. The bottom few leaves should be removed and the cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept consistently moist until roots develop.
Disease Management
Lespedeza repens is susceptible to several fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, root rot, and stem canker. The occurrence of these diseases can be attributed to factors such as high humidity, poorly drained soil, and wounded plant tissues. To control these diseases, it is essential to start with prevention measures, including proper spacing, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected plant debris. In cases where the diseases have already established, application of fungicides such as copper-based sprays can effectively manage powdery mildew and other fungal diseases.
Pest Management
Common pests that may infest Lespedeza repens include aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. These insects cause damage to the plants by sucking sap and chewing on leaves. To manage these pests, one can start with non-chemical methods such as manual removal of insects, spraying water to disrupt their feeding, and promoting beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. In instances where the pest infestation is heavy, application of insecticides such as pyrethroids can be employed to eliminate the pests. However, it is essential to note that indiscriminate use of insecticides can harm beneficial insects, and therefore, it is essential to follow the recommended usage guidelines.
