Lespedeza Kummerowia striata Play pronunciation

Japanese clover is a very common warm-season annual weed in the bean family (Fabaceae), native to the Russian Far East to northern Indo-China. It occurs in fields, open woods, roadsides, and other disturbed sites. Japanese clover was first introduced to the United States in the late 1800's for use as forage for livestock. Unfortunately, it has become a common weed in many disturbed areas. It grows 2 to 10 inches tall, 1-2 feet wide, with a mat-forming habit, and has wiry, purple, ascending, prostrate, or sprawling stems. The leaves are smooth, dark green, and trifoliate. Flowers bloom from May to September and are borne on the leaf axils or along the nodes of the stems. They are solitary, small, pea-like, and pink to purple. The genus name Kummerowia honors Johannes Gotthilf Heinrich Kummerow, a Polish professor. The specific epithet striata means streaked or having fine linear markings.

This weed thrives in full sun, mesic conditions, and sandy soil, although it tolerates other soil types. It prefers an acidic to neutral pH. Japanese clover is also nitrogen-fixing and tends to grow well in dry compacted areas or in thin turf. Propagate by seed, but it requires cold stratification. This species produces abundant seeds. 

To prevent this weed from taking hold, maintain a healthy lawn. Hand pulling is an option for removal of this weed when it is just getting established. Mowing your lawn may provide some control; however, wash lawn mowers and other lawn equipment to prevent the spread of the plant materials and seeds. Chemical options are available, such as post-emergence herbicides; please refer to your local county horticultural agent for herbicide recommendations in your area.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Japanese clover is used for agricultural purposes in the southeastern United States as a source of forage and hay and to control erosion; however, the North Carolina Native Plant Society lists this species as invasive in North Carolina.