LESPEDEZA

also called Bush Clover, any member of a genus (Lespedeza) of herbaceous plants in the pea family (Fabaceae), some of which are useful as forage and green manure crops. The approximately 40 species in the genus are native to North America, tropical and East Asia, and Australia. The lespedezas may be roughly grouped as herbaceous perennials, small shrubs, and annuals. Lespedezas are either erect or trailing in habit, and some perennial species can reach heights of up to 3 m (10 feet). The best-known species have alternate, toothless leaves that are made up of three leaflets. All lespedezas are adapted to warm, humid climates. Lespedezas are among the principal hay and pasture crops in the southeastern and south-central United States (along with alfalfa). Two of the most widely used annual species are the common lespedeza (L. striata) and the Korean lespedeza (L. stipulacea), both native to Asia. A perennial species, the sericea lespedeza (L. cuneata), is also used in American agriculture, both as a pasture crop and to combat soil erosion. Owing to its great root system, its dense growth canopy, and its ability to grow on badly eroded soils, the sericea lespedeza is extremely useful in American soil conservation. Some shrublike lespedeza species, such as the bicolour lespedeza (L. bicolor), are grown as ornamentals. Lespedezas are also valuable for birds and other wildlife, affording them food and cover.