The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-09-01
1FOR THE Charlotte DEMOCRAT.
LespedeZa.

Mr.. EDITOR 1t may be interesting to some
of your readers to know that the humble, clover
like plant, Lespedeza, is now (August) in bloom
1t has numerous delicate pink flowers, scattered
along the stem, which may be easily espied by
any caleful observer-perfecte mblems of retired
nodesty. Upwards of two years ago, the writer
called public attention to the importance of this
useful plant now rapidly spreading itself over all
sections of the South. Only slight abstract of
that communication will be now given, in re-
spouse to recent inquiries Oh the subject. The
genus, Lespedeza consisting of at least SIX South
ern species, was so named by Michaux, 8 French
botanist, about the beginning of the present
century, in honor of Lespcdez, then Spanish
Governor of Florida.
In the present impoverished condition of the
Southern States, this plant is wise and timely
Providential boon and is invaluable, not only in
clothing the soil with beautiful carpet of green
shielding it from the searching rays of the sun,
and thus increasing its fertility by retaining its
ammonia, but also i'll furnishing great amount
of tender nutriment for all kind of stock, which
consume it with ayidity. 1t is not species Of
clover as some have supposed, but belongs to the
same natural order, Leg'naiaose, or pod-Jeoring
plants Peas, beans, clover, lucerne, &c, arc
embraced in this order, class of plants generally
yielding much succulent heritage. In enclosures,
protected from stock, it attans a sufficient hei9h
to be mown and cured for hay, but its greatest
value consists in its fertilizing influence and
widespread distribution for common pasturage.
1t grows ON all kinds of soils, and is thus rapidly
covering our road sides and old-felds with an
abundant supply of wholesome, nutritive matter.
In many places it has already supplanted the
unsightly brown-straw, and quietly occupies and
beauties its new possessions The seeds are
smooth and black, being contained in numerous
small, compressed pods. In sections Of country,
where it has not yet made its appearance, it
would be advisable to collect a few SEEDS and SOW
them on any uncultiyated lands. In this way
its dispersion and usefulness might be greatly
extended. 1t is said not to have yet reached
Virginia, but it is the persistent friend of pro-
gress and renordtion, and is gradually spreading
itselffrom the Southern counties of the old North
State in that direction 1t is hoped the Old
Diminiop viii, ere long, be also blest with the
important services of this welcome ncoccontcr,
and rejoice with her sister afflicted States under
its benefccnt sway and min:srations.
This plant was discovered, many years ago, by
Thunberg, a German botanst, in Japan; but
how and when it found its way to the United
States is question not easily answered. 1t is
only through commercial intercourse that its in
PRODUCTION, in some accidental manner. can be
consistently accounted for. A considerable num-
Der of foreign plants, some of them troublesome
pests, have been thus cast upon our shores, and
become Furnishing occupants of the soil under
oHr genial climate. But this remark of unprI
come intro7uctiom docs not by any means, apply
to the Lespedeza. We would rather say, by way
of parody and conclusion:
1Ploughman, spare that plant
Harm not spear by force;
II succors us in ,r0nt-
Then let it have its course c. L. H.