Edge/ Japanese Clover

COMMON NAME: Japanese Clover

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Asiatic Bush Clover, Common Lespedeza

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lespedeza striata

FAMILY: Fabaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Naturalized from East Asia

LIFESPAN: Annual

HEIGHT: 4 to 16 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late July to September

FRUITING TIME: Late August to October

DISTRIBUTION: New Jersey to Gulf states ~ Hunterdon County south to Cape May County in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Erect or diffuse, much branched ~ Stems sparsely hairy ~ Leaves oblong ~ Flowers pink or purple

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Fabaceae) commonly called the Pea or Bean Family consists of 459 genera and 14,400 species of herbs, shrubs, vines and trees found in temperate, cold and tropical regions.  The family is of major economic importance, providing edible beans and peas for animals, ornamentals, and dyes. Japanese Clover is found in upland woods, mostly in dry soil. Japanese Clover is important to only one wildlife species—the Bobwhite Quail.  The use this genus (Lespedeza) by songbirds is slight.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.