Kummerowia striata

May be confused with Lespedeza repens which is prostrate growing while Kummerowia is not.

Propagation is best by seed which require cold/moist stratification at 33-40 degrees F (1-5 C) for 10 days and scarification (Shirley 1994, Steffen 1997).

Desirable forage for cattle. The following information is for the genus Lespedeza with note that L. striatat and L. stipulacea are especially important: The animals that eat the seeds: Mourning dove, Bobwhite quail, Wild turkey. Animals that eat the plant: White-tailed deer (Martin et al. 1951).

Kummerowia is believed to be self-fertile (USDA 1948). A native of Asia that was introduced into Georgia in the late 1800's. It is abundant in sandy, dry, open areas, on closely grazed range and disturbed places throughout Louisiana and east Texas. It is also found infrequently in west to north central Texas.