Korean Lespedeza, Korean clover
Kummerowia stipulacea

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

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.

Height (m): 0.4

Where it is found

Waste ground and roadsides in C. and S. Japan. Roadsides, grasslands, mountain slopes, stable or semi-stable sand dunes at elevations of 100--1200 metres in China.

E. Asia - Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

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

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Other

Rating: 0

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

Green manure: Fast-growing plants that can be used to increase the fertility of the soil.

Soil conditioner: Plants grown to improve the structure of the soil. See also Green manures.

Soil reclamation: Plants that can be grown in such circumstances an the spoil tips of mines in order to restore fertility.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

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. 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. 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.

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

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Lespedeza stipulacea. Maxim.