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Kummerowia stipulacea - (Maxim.)Makino.

Common Name Korean Lespedeza, Korean clover
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Waste ground and roadsides in C. and S. Japan[58]. Roadsides, grasslands, mountain slopes, stable or semi-stable sand dunes at elevations of 100--1200 metres in China[266].
Range E. Asia - Japan, Korea.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Kummerowia stipulacea Korean Lespedeza, Korean clover


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Kummerowia stipulacea Korean Lespedeza, Korean clover

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Kummerowia stipulacea is a ANNUAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a fast rate. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Lespedeza stipulacea. Maxim.

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent  Diuretic  Febrifuge

The whole plant is used medicinally as a diuretic, for reducing fever, and treating diarrhea[266].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Green manure  Soil conditioner  Soil reclamation  Soil stabilization

This species is much used in N. America for soil conservation and renewing worn-out soils[171]. It is a fast-growing annual, produces a good bulk and fixes a lot of atmospheric nitrogen.

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species but it should succeed as a spring-sown annual in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a light loam in full sun[1]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 24 hours in warm water and then sow late spring in situ.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Kummerowia striataCommon Lespedeza, Japanese cloverAnnual0.2 0-0  LMHSNM213

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(Maxim.)Makino.

Botanical References

58266274

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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