Does anybody here know anything about Lespedeza? In particular Lespedeza thunbergii and Lespedeza virginica. L. thunbergii is sometimes called tall bush clover, sometimes shrub lespedeza. L. virginica is sometimes called slender lespedeza, sometimes bush clover, sometimes slender bush clover. L. thunbergii can get up to 8' high and an 8' wide bush. L virginica is about half that. Both are legumes with a perennial root, but the top dies back each winter. Both are sold by nurseries as ornamentals. The Missouri Department of Conservation sells both as game cover and food. I seem to remember reading that bush clovers make good rabbit fodder and was going to try planting some. My biggest question is: I mentioned these to a friend and he warned me that they may be invasive. Since they don't show up on lists of fodder crops I'm also wondering how palatable they are to animals. L. virginica is a native to the mid-west and is listed as endangered by some states. L. thunbergii is a native of China. A perennial legume that I could use for rabbit and possible other fodder would be nice. If the rabbits won't eat it, it might make a good compost crop. I just don't want to introduce anything to my land I can't get rid of if I need to. The order I'm working on for the MO. DoC is going to be about 300 plants for about $60.00 All but the Lespedezas are seedling trees. If anybody else is looking for a source of cheap trees, check with your state to see if they have any tree programs. Thanks, ==>paul
