Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Lespedeza cuneata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked after soaking. — Young leaves - cooked after soaking.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste ground and grassy places all over lowland Japan. Moist shady places near water, 1700 - 2300 metres in Kashmir. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)