Chinese Lespedeza, Sericea lespedeza

Lespedeza cuneata

Physical Characteristics

Lespedeza cuneata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is frost tender. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked after soaking[105, 177, 179].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Depurative Dysentery Tonic The whole plant is anthelmintic, depurative and tonic[147]. A decoction is used in the treatment of testicular tuberculosis, hernia, enuresis, dental caries, toothache, infantile marasmus/ascariasis, snake and dog bites, skin ulcers, dysentery and enteritis[147]

Known Hazards

None known