Translation guide
A plant species (Lespedeza cuneata) used for forage, erosion control, and traditional medicine. In Japanese, it is primarily known as メドハギ.
Chinese lespedeza (the plant)
Referring to the plant itself, in botanical, agricultural, or general contexts.
In academic or highly technical contexts, you may also use the scientific name Lespedeza cuneata directly in Japanese text, often written in katakana as レスペデザ・クネアータ, but メドハギ is preferred in most situations.
Seri-ka medohagi is sometimes used in specific classifications.