Korean Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata)

Korean Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), also known as sericea lespedeza, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family that is native to East Asia, particularly Korea, China, and Japan. It is widely used in various applications, including soil erosion control, forage for livestock, and as a cover crop to improve soil quality due to its nitrogen-fixing properties.

Here are some key features of Korean Lespedeza:

1. Nitrogen Fixation: As a legume, it has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, which can improve soil fertility.
2. Forage Crop: It's used as a high-protein forage for livestock, including cattle and sheep, especially in areas where other types of pasture may not grow well.
3. Soil Erosion Control: Korean Lespedeza is planted for erosion control, particularly in areas where the soil is prone to being washed away by rain or wind. Its deep root system helps stabilize the soil.