Lespedeza cuneata aka Chinese Bush Clover

Lespedeza cuneata is called Chinese bushclover or sericea lespedeza. It belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. Its native range runs from Afghanistan to Japan and tropical Asia. It also grows naturally in eastern and southeastern Australia. This perennial herb can develop woody stems near its base. It has spread across much of the United States. Useful Tropical Plants reports an IUCN Least Concern listing from 2013.

Plants stand upright and form many branches with dense leaves. Garden heights range from 3–6 feet [0.91–1.83 metres]. Their spread reaches 2–3 feet [0.61–0.91 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants gives a smaller height of 2–3.3 feet [0.6–1 metre]. A deep, woody taproot anchors the plant and makes removal hard. Older plants can send up many stems from one rootstock. Fine hairs cover the gray-green stems, which may turn woody. Alternate leaves each have three narrow, pointed leaflets. Their bases taper like wedges, and their edges are smooth. Flat hairs give the leaves a gray-green or silver cast.

Small flowers appear in summer where leaves meet the stems. They grow alone or in small groups along the plant. Their cream or pale yellow petals bear purple central marks. Bees and other insects visit the flowers. The plant also has closed flowers that pollinate themselves. Each legume pod holds one small, bean-shaped seed. The seeds range from yellow to light brown. Pods remain along the stems in fall and winter. Quail and other birds eat the seeds.

This fast-growing plant prefers full sun and deep, well-drained, acidic soil. NC State lists both clay and loam as suitable soils. It gives a hardiness range of USDA zones 4–9. Useful Tropical Plants notes that winter cold can kill the top growth. The species grows in fields, meadows, open woods, and roadsides. It also occurs near ponds and in damp, shaded sites. People have grown it for erosion control and soil repair. Root bacteria fix nitrogen, which helps restore depleted ground. People also harvest it for fibre and traditional medicines.

Its invasive growth outweighs these uses in many places. It forms dense stands and leaves a lasting seed bank. It may release chemicals that hinder nearby plants. High tannin levels make it poor forage for many animals. NC State lists it as invasive and needing much upkeep. RHS lists it under UK Schedule 9 and reports a sales ban. It must not be planted or allowed to spread into the wild. PFAF reports that people soak young leaves before cooking them. PFAF and Useful Tropical Plants report no known hazards. That does not establish safety for people or pets.