There are only two species of annual lespedeza and both are of interest to the American farmer. The species, both of Asiatic origin, are lespedeza striata (striate) and L. stipulacea (Korean).
The species are similar but can be readily distinguished. Korean lespedeza is a larger, coarser, and earlier maturing plant than is striate lespedeza and has broader leaflets and larger bracts, or stip- at the base of the leaves. At maturity the-leaves of the Korean turn forward so that the tips of the branches resemble small cones, but the leaves of striate lespedeza do not turn forward. The hairs on the stems of Korean lespedeza point upward; those of striate lespedeza point downward.
Common and Kobe lespedezas are well adapted across the Lower South (fig. 1). Striate lespedeza was first reported in Georgia in 1846. Since it came from Japan, it was called Japan clover; later it became known as Common lespedeza.
Common lespedeza is a slender plant with small leaflets and purple flowers. It is prostrate in growth except in dense stands. Because of its habit of growth, it is sometimes preferred in permanent pastures in the Deep South. It is smaller growing and generally less productive than Kobe. It is a poor seed producer, and seed stocks are limited.
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Figure 1.-- Region of the United States to which Common and Kobe lespedezas are well adopted.
