The annuals grow to a height of 5 to 36 inches, depending upon soil moisture and fertility. The bush lespedezas reach 5 to 7 feet. Korean' lespedeza flowers are borne at the end of the branch, 'Common' flowers are borne all along the stem. Many cultivars of lespedeza exist. Probably the most extensively grown cvs.
Seed production is limited to the southern part of the lespedeza region.
If grown only for hay, about 1.5 tons per acre are harvested. In each type of flower, the ovary has only one ovule. The apetalous flowers are all inconspicuous. The flower is open most of the day, closes before night, and generally does not reopen. In these flowers, the filaments of the nine stamens are fused throughout most of their length.