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ASSOCIATED SEEDS, INC. 

Lespedeza: for pasture, hay and soil improvement 
LESPEDEZA 
Lespedeza spp. 
The Lespedezas are Oriental legumes, but not clovers. Most valuable hot weather 
pasture, hay and soil-building crops for humid regions from the Gulf of Mexico to 
Indiana, on soils low in lime but fertile, moist but well drained and preferably with 
high phosphorous content. The leafy stems are inclined to be woody, but are readily 
grazed by all classes of livestock, and yield a highly nutritious, readily digestible 
hay. The much branched lateral roots are numerous, extending widely through the 
sub-surface and increasing the value of lespedeza for erosion-control. They are 
prolific seed producers and highly prized as ground feed for all classes of livestock. 
COMMON LESPEDEZA Lespedeza striata 
The species in most general use in the South. Seldom grows more than 6-9 
inches tall, but because of low moisture content gives up to two tons per acre 
of very fine quality air-dried hay. Provides grazing and maintains soil fertility 
in pasture with Bermuda, Dallis, Carpet, Red Top and Bluegrass, when too hot 
for other pasture crops. 
KOBE (Chinese) Lespedeza striata var. kobe 
An improved variety of Common. Grows somewhat taller and is used extensively 
in grain fields for summer grazing and hay. Withstands drought well. Later 
than Korean and yields more hay but less seed. 
KOREAN Lespedeza stipulacea 
A very early, large, rather coarse kind. Better suited to lime soils than other 
lespedezas. Retains its leaves at maturity and is an excellent grazing and hay 
plant for oat fields, and to control soil erosion. Often in mixtures with other 
related species. Especially adaptable for the upper South. 
SERICEA Lespedeza cuneata 
A perennial species becoming increasingly popular for its value as a soil erosion 
crop, hay crop, and as a food and cover crop for wild game. Yields good quality 
hay on fertile sandy soils too low in lime for alfalfa, and seed high in protein. 
Plants send up numerous leafy stems 2-4 ft. tall; flower profusely in summer, set 
seed in the fall. Somewhat slow to start growth from seedling stage, but once 
established remains indefinitely. A plant with very low moisture content, yet 
palatable and easy to cure for hay. Probably has a wider range of adaptability 
when row planted to permit occasional cultivation. 
