Common Lespedeza
Kummerowia striata
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Pl. 54DB — Kummerowia striata
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IOverview
Overview
Common Lespedeza (Kummerowia striata) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Amur, Assam, China North-Central, and Japan. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, this plant thrives in moist conditions with a preference for light to partial shade. It can be found growing in various soil types, from sandy to clay, with a pH range of 4.9 to 7.3. Common Lespedeza reaches a height of about 0.2 meters and is often seen in areas such as Inner Mongolia, Korea, Laos, Manchuria, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Its adaptability makes it a valuable addition to gardens or natural settings where it can provide both ornamental value and edible benefits.
Quick answers
What is Common Lespedeza?
Common Lespedeza (Kummerowia striata) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Amur, Assam, China North-Central, and Japan. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, this plant thrives in moist conditions with a preference for light to partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Common Lespedeza thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions and grows as an annual, reaching a height of 0.2 meters. For best results, sow seeds directly in the garden once the threat of frost has passed. The plant's edible parts include leaves and seeds, which can be harvested throughout the growing season. Ensure the soil pH ranges between 4.9 and 7.3 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
4.9–7.3
For first-time growers
How to grow Common Lespedeza for the first time
8steps
Start with Common Lespedeza as an easy-to-grow annual for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Ensure the soil drains well.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in rows 30-45 cm apart, or start indoors for later transplanting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and provide light shade if temperatures are high.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to encourage more blooms and maintain shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soils, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough light, and sowing too deep.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The Common Lespedeza, or Kummerowia striata, is edible and its leaves and seeds can be consumed. The leaves are often eaten raw in salads, while the seeds may be roasted or ground into flour for baking. Both parts are suitable for consumption but should be harvested from plants growing in well-drained soil with a pH between 4.9 and 7.3.
Other uses:Soil reclamationNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 15 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 15 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 15 native· 15 introduced
Asia8 regions
native (7)ChinaIndiaJapanLaosSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
introduced (1)Georgia
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Amur, Khabarovsk, Nansei-shoto, Primorye
introduced:South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Transcaucasus, Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Argentina Northeast, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 54db5e18-ce2e-4529-912c-9c91725e66d2
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