Sericea lespedeza - Lespedeza cuneata (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Control)

Sericea lespedeza

Also known as: Chinese bushclover, Sericea

Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) is a legume related to the pea and native to Asia and Australia. Sericea lespedeza is considered an invasive species in parts of the world other than Asia and Australia.

Scientific classification

Species

Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Herb, Shrub

Plant Type

Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

61 cm to 1.2 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 45 cm

Spread

Green, Silver

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Yellow

Fruit Color

White, Purple, Cream

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Sericea lespedeza

Distribution of Sericea lespedeza

Distribution Map

Sericea lespedeza, originally native to parts of Asia and the Pacific, has been introduced to other continents, where it has established a presence. While appreciated in some regions, in certain areas it is sometimes thought to be a species that may have an impact on local ecosystems. Its spread in areas beyond its native range is notable, as sericea lespedeza adapts to diverse climates and habitats.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Waste ground, grassy places, lowland, moist shady places near water

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Consider growing sericea lespedeza in sunny shrub gardens that do not get hard frosts. Because this shrub fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere, making it available in the soil, it is a valuable plant to consider for rehabilitating marginal and waste areas on large properties and garden sites prone to soil erosion.

Name Story

Sericea lespedeza: Sericea in latin means "silky", referring to the texture of the leaves. To cattle farmers, it is a serious weed that needs to be controlled. However, it is an excellent forage for a goat or sheep farmer.

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Toxicity

Sericea lespedeza has mild toxicity to both cats and dogs. All parts of the plant are potentially harmful if ingested, causing gastrointestinal upset and lethargy. Immediate veterinary care is necessary if ingestion occurs.

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Weed Control

Sericea lespedeza is a weed growing throughout much of the eastern half of the U.S. from Texas to Florida and New York to Minnesota. It is found in areas such as meadows, fields, prairies and woodlands. It is considered a well-established invasive plant. It is prohibited in New York state and is included in noxious weed laws in Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas. This plant out-competes and displaces native plants, and its high tannin content makes it not that palatable for livestock and wildlife. Hand pulling is difficult due to its large root system. Mowing plants in the flowering stage may help control it as well as herbicides.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of sericea lespedeza is during late winter or early spring, before the plant starts flowering. Here are some methods you can employ to control or remove this plant:

Hand Pulling: This method involves directly pulling up the weed from the ground. The best time to do this is after a rain when the soil is soft. Using gloves, grasp the weed at its base and gently pull to get as much of the root as possible.
Mowing: Regular mowing can help to control the spread of the weed. Make sure to mow just before the sericea lespedeza starts to flower to prevent seed dispersal.
Smothering: You can suppress the growth of the weed by covering the ground with a dark plastic sheet or multiple layers of newspaper. The weed won't receive sunlight and will eventually die.
Vinegar Spray: A natural herbicide that can help control sericea lespedeza is a vinegar spray. You can make this by mixing one gallon of white vinegar with a cup of table salt and a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Spray it directly onto the weed, but be careful not to let it touch other plants as it can harm them.

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Quickly Identify Sericea lespedeza

Robust perennial reaching 6 feet (1.8 meters) with bushy appearance.

Creamy white to pale yellow flowers with central purple spots.

Small legume pods with single seeds, bean-like shape.

Compound leaves with 3 oblong leaflets, pointed tips, and grayish-green hair-covered surface.

Gray-green stem with fine hairs, herbaceous to semi-woody, reaching 2-4 feet (60-120 cm).

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Care Guide for Sericea lespedeza

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from moderate climates, sericea lespedeza prefers stable hydration and tolerates brief dryness. It thrives with weekly watering to avoid waterlogging. Typically grown outdoors, sericea lespedeza requires careful moisture management during the active growing season for optimal health and vitality.

Propagation: Sericea lespedeza propagates best by sowing in Spring. This simple process yields germination marked by rising seedlings. Maintaining moist soil is essential during the initial growth phase for successful development.

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Images of Sericea lespedeza

Distribution of Sericea lespedeza

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Sericea lespedeza

Care Guide for Sericea lespedeza

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