Lespedeza
Lespedeza bicolor
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Pl. 7CFE — Lespedeza bicolor
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IOverview
Overview
Lespedeza bicolor, commonly known as Lespedeza, is a subshrub or herb that thrives in habitats across East Asia, including regions of China, Korea, Japan, and Russia. This plant is valued for its edible parts, which include flowers, leaves, seeds, and stems, making it a versatile food source. It prefers full to partial sun with moist to dry conditions and light to medium soil types. Lespedeza bicolor grows up to 3 meters in height and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, with an optimal soil pH range of 5.8 to 7.5. Its adaptability and edible qualities make it a notable presence in its native range.
Quick answers
What is Lespedeza?
Lespedeza bicolor, commonly known as Lespedeza, is a subshrub or herb that thrives in habitats across East Asia, including regions of China, Korea, Japan, and Russia. This plant is valued for its edible parts, which include flowers, leaves, seeds, and stems, making it a versatile food source.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lespedeza bicolor thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.8 and 7.5. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 3 meters tall as a forb/herb or subshrub. This plant tolerates both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various garden settings. For propagation, Lespedeza bicolor can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The edible parts include flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds, which are safe for consumption in temperate regions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Forb/herb, Subshrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.8–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Lespedeza for the first time
7steps
Start with Lespedeza as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Lespedeza plant or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.8 and 7.5, and prepare containers at least 12 inches wide.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants after danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesSeedStem
Edible uses: Oil, Tea
Other uses:Weaving materialAnimal feedoilWind breakerErosion controlNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
13 native · 17 introduced
Distribution
13 native · 17 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 13 native· 17 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)BelarusRussiaUkraine
Asia6 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanMongoliaSouth Korea
introduced (2)GeorgiaUzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Amur, Chita, Khabarovsk, Primorye, Sakhalin, Kuril Is.
introduced:New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Baltic States, Illinois
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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