Description

Fine-stemmed, leafy, annual legume with shallow taproots. Tolerant of low fertility and acidic soils. Grows 1 to 2 feet tall. Annual lespedeza leaves are a pale green color with light-colored, easily visible veins. Flowers and sets seed in late summer and early fall. Prolific seed producer. Kobe and Korean are examples of annual lespedeza.

Uses

Hay, pasture.

Advantages

Productive during summer months. Tolerates soil acidity and low fertility. Naturally reseeds itself. Fine stemmed and nonbloating.

Disadvantages

Short growing season. Low quality after frost or if it matures. Low yielding. Must set seed each year to persist. May fail to reseed if overgrazed, autumns are dry, or early frost occurs.

Seeding

Rate: 20-30 lb/a
Depth: ¼-½ in
Date: Feb 15-Apr 15

Harvest

First harvest: Jul 15-Aug 15
Annual yield: 1-3 tons dry matter/a

Publications

• Forage Identification and Use Guide
• Grain & Forage Crop Guide for Kentucky
• Growing Lespedeza in Kentucky