Korean lespedeza
Also known as: Korean clover
Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect or ascending, 4 to 24 inches tall, branching, dense to sparse pubescence appressed upward.
- Leaves
- Alternate, palmately-compound, trifoliolate; main leaves on stalks 1/5 to 2/5 inch long; leaflets spatulate to obovate, 1/3 to 1 inch long, 2/5 to 7/10 inch wide, glabrous; margins and lower midrib of younger leaflets with conspicuous fringe of hairs; stipules ovate to ovate-lanceolate, about 1/4 inch long, ridged, mostly glabrous.
- Inflorescence
- 1-3 flowers in leaf axils near branch tips; flowers of two types, one with petals, one inconspicuous, without petals.
- Flower
- Calyx bell-shaped, 5-lobed; corolla papilionaceous; petals about 1/4 inch long; banner petal pinkish to purplish with darker base; wing petals white; keel petals white, tips dark-red.
- Fruit
- Pod, egg-shaped, 1/8 inch long, minutely pubescent, half covered by calyx; seed smooth, shiny, brown or black.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Roadsides, fields, pastures, and open woods; sandy soils.
- Distribution
- Principally east 1/3 of Kansas.
Practical Information
- Uses
- Bob-white quail and wild turkeys eat the seeds.
Additional Notes
Comments
The leaves point forward at maturity, coming together to resemble a cone. Native of Korea; introduced into the United States in 1919 as a hay and pasture plant. Korean lespedeza will spread rapidly.
Synonyms
Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.
Scientific Name: Lespedeza stipulacea
Full Citation: Lespedeza stipulacea Maxim.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Fabaceae - Bean Family
- Life Span
- Annual
- Height
- 4-24 inches (usually 4-12 inches)
- Last Updated
- 2007-10-27
Color Groups
Pink, Red & Orange Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: July, August, September, October