Lespedeza juncea - (L.f.)Pers.
(L.f.)Pers.
Chinese Lespedeza, Juncea lespedeza
gbif· cc-by-nc
Sue Jaggar
gbif· cc-by-nc
Sue Jaggar
gbif· cc-by
Lucas Christofides
Description
Lespedeza juncea is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in 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.
Edible Uses
Young leaves and shoots - cooked.
Medicinal Uses
Astringent Dysentery. The juice of the roots is used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery.
Distribution
E. Asia - China, Himalayas.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan (east), Russian Federation-Eastern Siberia (Eastern Siberia (Dahuria)), Mongolia, Russian Federation (Primorye, Amur), China (north), Korea, Japan TROPICAL ASIA: Bhutan, India (Himalayan region), Nepal, Pakistan (north)
Cultivation
Easily grown in a light loam in full sun. The top growth is not very cold tolerant, although the rootstock is considerably hardier. Plants are usually cut back to the ground in all but very mild winters, though they generally resprout well from the base in the following spring and flower in late summer. Related to L. sericea. 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.
Propagation
Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow it in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in individual pots in a frame. It can be difficult to get the cuttings through their first winter, it is best to plunge the pots in a bed of ashes in a sheltered border outdoors.
Other Uses
Broom. The twigs are used in making brooms.
