Sericea Lespedeza

Sericea Lespedeza plant   Sericea Lespedeza head

Common Name(s): Sericea Lespedeza, Chinese Lespedeza, Chinese Bushclover, Sericea

Scientific Name: Lespedeza Cuneata

Symbol: LECU

Description:

Growth form: Forb
Life Span: Perennial
Origin: Introduced

Growth Characteristics: Sericea Lespedeza was first brought to the United States from eastern Asia in the 1890s due to its tolerance of drought, and shallow, acidic, low fertile soils. It can quickly change a landscape by replacing more desirable vegetation as it restricts the amount of light other plants can use due to its height (3-6 ft.) and dense foliage.
Flowers/Inflorescence: Flowering occurs from July to September, when small, creamy-white flowers with purple throats develop in clusters of two to four.
Fruits/Seeds: Fruit is a flat ovate to round single-seeded pod 0.12-0.15 in. (3-4 mm) wide. Pods are clustered in terminal axils, scattered along the stem, and clasped by persistent sepals.
Leaves: Leaves are thin, alternate, abundant and three-parted. Leaflets have wedge-shaped bases and are 0.5-1 in. (1.3-2.5 cm) long and hairy.
Stems: Woody, coarse stems of that may grow singly or in clusters.

Ecological Adaptations: Extremely aggressive invader of open areas and out competes native vegetation. Once established, Lespedeza cuneata is very difficult to remove due to the seed bank which may remain viable for decades. Native to Asia and introduced into the United States in the late 1800s, it has been widely planted for erosion control, mine reclamation and wildlife habitat

Soils: It will tolerate soils ranging from very acidic to slightly alkaline, but is best adapted to a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. It does best on clay and loamy soils that are deep, fertile, and well drained, but will also grow on poor sites.

Uses: Sericea was planted in the past to control soil erosion, provide forage for livestock, and provide cover and food for wildlife.

Control: Combinations of grazing or mowing followed by herbicides have been most successful in controlling Sericea. Grazing with goats will suppress seed production. Early intensive grazing where the animals are removed from the pasture July 15 and then treated with a labeled herbicide about 4-6 weeks later has been effective. Haying native hay meadows in early July followed with a labeled herbicide 4-6 weeks later also works well. Prescribed burning in the late spring stimulates seed production and should be followed up with a herbicide treatment.