Korean Lespedeza, Korean Clover

Kummerowia stipulacea (Maxim.) Makino

([formerly Lespedeza stipulacea Maxim.)

Fabaceae (Legume Family)

▲ seedlings

▲ young plant

▲▼plant showing upward-pointing hairs on stem

▲▼ young plant

Annual Lespedeza:

·          wiry-stemmed, much branched summer annual with 3 leaflets; grows 6-18” tall & wide—but can survive close mowing

·         has tiny (1/8") rose and white pea-like flowers (in Legume family)

·         grows in dry, sunny, low fertility soils; very heat tolerant

·         common turf weeds

·         probably controlled better with post-emergent rather than pre-emergent herbicides

·         Korean Lespedeza—has hairs that point upwards on stems and petioles; larger, more rounded leaves

·         Common Lespedeza—has hairs that point downward on stems, petioles; smaller, more elongated/narrow leaves