Lespedeza Research Paper

Annual Lespedeza Annual lespedeza has been an important crop in the Ozarks for many years. Two different annual lespedeza varieties are grown in the Ozarks, common lespedeza and Korean lespedeza. At one point, over six million acres in Missouri were planted in lespedeza (Roberts, 2000). Although it is not as popular as it once was, lespedeza is still used for hay, pasture, and erosion control. Common lespedeza, or Kummerowia striata, was the first type of annual lespedeza to be established in the Ozarks. It was first found growing in Georgia in 1846 and was introduced in the Ozarks after the Civil War. Before being known as common lespedeza it was referred to as ‘Jap clover’ since it originated from Japan. Common lespedeza is a striate variety (Roberts, 2000).

Like common lespedeza, this variety also came from Japan. Kobe was introduced into the United States in 1919. Kobe grows larger and more erect than common lespedeza, and produces more hay and pasture. Striate varieties mature later and need a longer growing season than Korean lespedeza. These varieties are also more tolerant of soils that are acidic and low in fertility. Striate’s tolerance of acidic and low fertility soils allows them to be better adapted to the Ozarks and many other southern states (Roberts, 2000). Korean lespedeza, or Kummerowia stipulacea, was introduced to the United States from Korea in 1919. Then, introduced to Missouri in 1921. The Missouri Agriculture Experimental station received a spoonful of the Korean lespedeza seed from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The crop was studied for five years at the University of Missouri, before on-the-farm testing took place. Thirty farms received a five pound seed package to review the crop, and all had positive feedback. In the early 1950s lespedeza popularity peaked in Missouri with six million acres planted (Roberts,