Much like no. 1 [Lespedeza thunbergii (DC.) Nakai]; lfls avg wider; fls smaller, 9-13 mm, borne in numerous strongly ascending racemes that tend to form a sort of terminal, leafy panicle; cal-lobes more lance-triangular, not so long-pointed, not obviously longer than the tube; the 2 upper generally not so long-connate; 2n=18. Native of Japan, occasionally escaped from cult. in se. U.S., n. to Va. July-Oct.
Gleason, Henry A. & Cronquist, Arthur J. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. lxxv + 910 pp.