Lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Lespedeza bicolor is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves and stems - cooked. Flowers - cooked. Seed - cooked. Occasionally boiled and eaten with rice. The leaves are used as a tea substitute.. — Young leaves and stems - cooked.; Flowers - cooked.; Occasionally boiled and eaten with rice.; The leaves are used as a tea substitute..

Habitat & North American Range

Grassy places and thickets in lowland all over Japan. Mountain slopes, forest margins, roadsides, thickets and forests at elevations of 150 - 1000 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)