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Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours. ) G. Don

Sericea; Chinese Lespedeza; Sericea Lespedeza; Lespedeza sericea Miq, nom illeg; Silky bushclover

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PCA
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Chinese Lespedeza
Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don
Pea family (Fabaceae)
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Chinese Lespedeza NATIVE RANGE
Eastern Asia 

DESCRIPTION
Chinese lespedeza is a warm season, perennial herbaceous plant. It has an erect growth form, ranging from about 3 to 5½ feet in height, and leaves that alternate along the stem. Each leaf is divided into three smaller leaflets, about ½ to 1 inch long, which are narrowly oblong and pointed, with awl-shaped spines. Leaflets are covered with densely flattened hairs, giving a grayish-green or silvery appearance. Mature stems are somewhat woody and fibrous with sharp, stiff, flattened bristles. Small (about ¼ in.) creamy white to pale yellow flowers emerge either singly or in clusters of 2-4, from the axils of the upper and median leaves. 

ECOLOGICAL THREAT
Chinese lespedeza, sometimes called sericea lespedeza, is primarily a threat to open areas such as meadows, prairies, open woodlands, wetland borders and fields.  Once it gains a foothold, it can crowd out native plants and develop an extensive seed bank in the soil, ensuring its long residence at a site.  Established dense stands of lespedeza suppress native flora and its high tannin content makes it unpalatable to native wildlife as well as livestock.

Click for distribution map of Chinese bush clover; Chinese lespedeza; sericea lespedeza. DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES
Chinese lespedeza is now found throughout the U.S.

 

HABITAT IN THE UNITED STATES
Chinese lespedeza can grow in a variety of habitats including severely eroded sterile soils.  It will invade open woodlands, fields, prairies, borders of ponds and swamps, meadows, and open disturbed ground, but is intolerant of shade.

BACKGROUND
Chinese lespedeza is native to eastern Asia and was first introduced to the southern United States.  Widespread use of lespedeza by federal and state agencies for bank stabilization, soil improvement, wildlife and forage and cover, and hay facilitated its spread throughout the eastern United States. 

BIOLOGY & SPREAD
Chinese lespedeza begins growth from root crown buds at the base of last year’s stem.  The flowers begin to develop in late July and continue through October.  Within the Lespedeza genus there are no specialized structures for seed dispersal.  Dispersal is aided by animals consuming the fruits and passing the seeds.  A study on natural populations found that several species of Lespedeza comprise 1.5% to 86.8% of the annual diet of bobwhite quail in the southeastern U.S.  Autumn dispersal is aided by the haying of infested fields.

Scarification is necessary for the germination of lespedeza seeds.  Mature seeds of this genus remain viable for up to twenty years; one study found a germination rate of 60% after cold storage for 55 years.   Seedlings may represent only 1% of the seeds actually available in the soil.

MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Mechanical and chemical methods are the most effective options currently available for Chinese lespedeza.  Hand pulling is impractical due to lespedza’s extensive perennial root system.  Mowing plants in the flower bud stage for two or three consecutive years may reduce the vigor of lespedeza stands and control further spread.  Plants should be cut as low to the ground as possible and impact to adjacent native plants should be minimized as much as possible. 

Since root reserves increase up to the flower bud stage, all herbicide treatments should be completed in early to mid summer.  The addition of a non-ionic surfactant at a concentration of 0.5%  improves the effectiveness of foliar treatments.  Triclopyr and clopyralid have been shown to be effective in controlling Chinese lespedeza.  A 2% solution Triclopyr or 0.5% solution of clopyralid throughly mixed with water is effective during the vegetative stage prior to branching or during flowering.  Treatments should cover the leaves and stems of plants to the point of runoff.  These herbicides are not labeled for use in wet areas or adjacent to streams.  On wet sites a 2% solution of glyphosate is effective from last June until seed set. 

USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. 

NOTICE: MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.

CONTACTS
For more information on the management of Chinese lespedeza, please contact:

  • Kris Johnson, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN

SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE PLANTS
Although not a popular ornamental in the U.S., some suitable native alternatives for Chinese lespedeza include butterflyweed ( Asclepias tuberosa ), joe-pye weed ( Eupatorium dubium ), black-eyed Susan ( Rudbeckia fulgida ), big blue stem ( Andropogon gerardii ), or Indian grass ( Sorghastrum nutans ).  Contact your state native plant society for further suggestions for plants native to your particular locale.

OTHER LINKS


AUTHORS
Tom Remaley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN

EDITOR
Jil M. Swearingen, U.S. National Park Service, Washington, DC

PHOTOGRAPHS
Tom Remaley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN

REFERENCES
Altom, J.V., J.F. Stritzke, D.L. Weeks. 1992. Sericea lespedeza ( Lespedeza cuneata ). Control with Selected Postemergence Herbicides.  Weed Technology Journal of the Weed Science Society of America 6(3):573-576. 

Guernsey, W.J.  1977.  Sericea lespedeza ( Lespedeza cuneata ): Its Use and Management. U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers Bulletin No. 2245, 29 pp. 

Hoveland, C.S., W.B. Anthony, E.L. Carden, J.K. Boseck, W.B. Webster.  1975. Sericea-grass Mixtures.  Auburn University Alabama Agriculture Experiment Station Circular 221, 12 pp. 

Hoveland, C.S., G.A. Buchanan, E.D. Donnelly.  1971.  Establishiment of Sericea lespedeza; Weed Science 19: 21-24. 

Hoveland, C.S., G.A. Buchanan, E.D. Donnelly.  1970.  Establishing Sericea lespedeza at Low Seeding Rate with a Herbicide; Auburn University Agriculture Experiment Station Circular 174, 11 pp. 

Hoveland, C.S. and E.D. Donnelly.  1985.  The Lespedezas.  In M.E. Heath, R.F. Barnes, and D.S. Metcalfe, eds. Forages: the Science of Grassland Agriculture. Iowa State Press, Ames, Iowa. 

Pieters, A.J. 1950. Sericea and Other Perennial Lespedezas for Forage and Soil Conservation; U.S. Department Agriculture Circular 863, 48 p. 

Rietveld, W.J. 1983. Allelopathic Effects of Juglone on Germination and Growth of Several Herbaceous and woody Species Juglans nigra , Lonicera maackii , Lespedeza cuneata , Trifolium incarnatum , Alnus glutinosa , Elaeagnus umbellata ; Journal of Chemical Ecology 9(2): 295-308. 

Smith, A.E. and G.V. Calvert.  1987.  Weed Control in Sericea Lespedeza.  University of Georgia Experiment Station Research Bulleitn 357, 12 p.

Swearingen, J. 2009. WeedUS Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States: Chinese Lespedeza ( Lespedeza cuneata ). http://www.invasive.org/weedus/subject.html?sub=3033.

USDA, NRCS. 2009. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

Wolf, D.D. and Dove, D.C.  1987.  Grazaing Preference for Low Tannin Sericea Lespedeza; Proceedings of the Forage Grassland Conference, Lexington, Kentucky, p. 216-219. 

Yonce, M.H. and W.A. Skroch.  1989.  Control of Selected Perennial Weeds with Glyphosate. Weed Science 37(3):360-364.


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Lespedeza cuneata

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Authors: Sandy Stevens, eds. Mandy Tu, Barry Rice and John Randall, Global Invasive Species Team, The Nature Conservancy

Contents


sericea lespedeza
image_caption
Photo by James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Genus: Lespedeza
Species: cuneata
Scientific Name
Lespedeza cuneata
(Dum.-Cours.) G. Don
Synonyms

Chinese lespedeza

IDENTIFIERS

Scientific Names: Lespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours.) G. Don
Syn. Anthyllis cuneata Dum. Cours.
Syn. Aspalathus cuneata D. Don
Syn. Hedysarum sericeum Thunb.
Syn. Lespedeza juncea var. sericea Forbes & Hemsl.
Syn. Lespedeza sericea Benth.
Syn. Lespedeza sericea Miq.

Common Names: Chinese bush clover, silky bushclover, Himalayan bushclover and hairy lespedeza are all common names often associated with Lespedeza cuneata . Several cultivars, including ‘Common Sericea’, ‘Arlington’, ‘Serala’, and ‘Interstate’ were introduced in the Midwest and eastern U.S. for forage and erosion control (McCarthy 1896; Stitt 1943; Ohiwi 1965; Clewell 1966; Kartesz 1994a,b).

DESCRIPTION AND DIAGNOSTIC CHARACTERISTICS

Lespedeza cuneata is an aggressive warm-season perennial legume (in the family Fabaceae/Leguminosae). It is a shrubby, copiously branched plant with ascending stems. The plant can reach a height of two meters in loamy soils and has an extensive taproot that can extend up to 120 cm or more. Juvenile plants have only one stem that can have many top branches. In winter, food reserves are stored in the underground taproot and old stems die back. New stems arise from root crown buds in early spring and increasing numbers of stems are produced each year. A single plant is able to form a large stand that can live over 20 years (Bare 1979; Correll et al. 1979; Barkley 1986).

L. cuneata can be distinguished by leaf shape, flower color, and by its general growth form. L. cuneata is the only species within the genus Lespedeza with cuneate or wedge-shaped leaf bases. Flowers are creamy-white with purple throats. When mature, L. cuneata has numerous tall, coarse stems that grow in bunches. Juveniles of L. cuneata can be distinguished from the closely related slender lespedeza ( L. virginica , a native) by its large coarse stems (versus few weak stems) (Clewell 1966; Bare 1979).

Leaves of L. cuneata are trifoliate and have a short petiole (usually 0.0 to 0.5 mm long). Each leaflet is 5 to 25 mm long and 1.5 to 6 mm wide, with densely flattened hairs that give a grayish-green or silvery appearance. The apex of each leaflet is rounded or truncate, and bears a small, pointed tip. Leaflet bases are cuneate (wedge-shaped). Thread-like or awl-shaped stipules, typically 3 to 11 mm long, are also present.

L. cuneata blooms from July through October, and has flowers of two types: chasmogamous (petaliferous) flowers or cleistogamous (apetalous) flowers. Petals of the chasmogamous flowers are typically cream-white to yellow-white in color, and the upper-most (banner) petal can have pink- or purple-colored veins. The calyx is 3 to 4 mm long. Chasmogamous flowers grow in clusters of 1 to 4 flowers per leaf axis. Cleistogamous flowers of L. cuneata are always self-fertilized (versus cross-fertilized in chasmogamous flowers), typically do not open, and do not have showy petals. Cleistogamous flowers have a calyx 1.5 to 2.0 mm long and are generally scattered amongst the chasmogamous flowers (Pieters 1934; Stitt 1946; Hanson & Cope 1955b).

Fruits of L. cuneata are 3 to 5 mm long and are glabrous or with appressed hairs. Seeds are shiny, slightly flattened, ellipsoid to oval, and are either tan, olive, purple, or a mottled brown color. Seeds from the two flower types can easily be distinguished from each other by their shape and size (McKee & Hyland 1941; Cope 1966a,b, 1971).

PEST STATUS

L. cuneata is considered an invasive weed in rangelands and grasslands of the Midwest and eastern United States, and is listed as a noxious weed in Kansas and Colorado. It is also listed on the Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council’s List as a Category 1 species, indicating that is known to be invasive and persistent throughout all or most of their range within the Southern Region. In some parts of the U.S., L. cuneata is still valued for controlling erosion along roadsides and for forage, and a websearch in November 2002 yielded several nurseries and seed companies (mostly in the southeast and eastern U.S.) that offer L. cuneata for these purposes.

STEWARDSHIP SUMMARY

L. cuneata is an aggressive species that was introduced from Asia for use as forage and hay production on poor soils, and for erosion control in the southeastern United States. It can flourish where other plants have difficulty growing, such as on eroded, infertile soils. It is drought resistant, is rarely bothered by insects or disease, produces numerous seed and abundant forage, and is a long-lived perennial. Because of these characteristics, L. cuneata was first introduced and highly valued by agronomists for crops, forage, and soil conservation in the 1940s.

L. cuneata grows well in grasslands, pastures, along roadsides, drainage areas, fence rows, and in other disturbed areas. Mature stands of L. cuneata are difficult to control in natural areas. The deep root system makes removal of the plant by digging or pulling extremely difficult. Extensive cutting efforts (by mowing or plowing) are generally not feasible, as L. cuneata typically grows in rough, rocky areas. Such cutting efforts may also greatly disturb native plant populations.

Spring burns are not effective for controlling the spread of L. cuneata , as new shoots sprout almost immediately after fire. Dormant season controlled burns can also promote L. cuneata . Fire scarifies seeds of L. cuneata , promoting germination and seedling establishment on open, bare ground.

L. cuneata is not susceptible to several common herbicides, such as 2,4-D, picloram, and dicamba. Triclopyr, glyphosate, clopyralid, and metsulfuron methyl, however, have been shown to be effective in the control of L. cuneata (Griffith 1996; Peterson et al. 1996; Remaley 1998).

L. cuneata is best controlled by an integrated management approach that combines mechanical and chemical methods. Late summer burns can decrease adult plant vigor, removes seeds from that year, and decrease seedling survival. Similarly, mowing plants in the flower-bud stage for two to three consecutive years can reduce the vigor of stands and control further spread. Good control can be achieved by mowing followed by a herbicide treatment in early to mid summer. A 2% solution of triclopyr or a 0.5% solution of clopyralid is effective during the vegetative stage prior o branching or during flowering. In wet sites, a 2% solution of glyphosate is effective from late June to seed set (Remaley 1998).

RANGE

L. cuneata is native to Asia and Australia. It is a common native plant in Korea, China, Taiwan, India, Australia, and on the Japanese islands of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu (Ohiwi 1965). It was introduced to the southeastern United States in the 1800s for forage and soil conservation. It has also been introduced to South Africa, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico (Pieters 1934; Donnelly et al. 1970; Hoveland & Donnelly 1985).

In the United States, L. cuneata occurs in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin (Pieters 1934; Donnelly et al. 1970; Barkley 1977; USDA-NRCS 2002).

IMPACTS & THREATS POSED

L. cuneata establishes readily on eroded and disturbed soils, or in nutrient poor soils. It thrives on bottomland sites, and can become a major problem along roadways, drainages, trails, and at burned sites. Its deep taproot enables it to outcompete native plants for water and nutrients, especially during periods of prolonged drought.

Although originally introduced as a forage plant, L. cuneata has stems that become tough and unpalatable unless kept continually mowed or grazed. The number of stems produced by each plant increases each year, until large pure stands are formed that can take over entire fields. In natural areas, these stands can become so dense that native plants are reduced. L. cuneata also produces chemicals, such as tannins, that can inhibit the growth of other plants and promote the formation of pure stands of L. cuneata .

L. cuneata is still used for erosion control along highways and around reservoirs, and is planted as cover for quail. L. cuneata readily escapes from cultivation into native grasslands and agricultural areas, and can seriously impact natural areas.

HABITAT

L. cuneata is adapted to a wide range of conditions. It is cultivated for pasture, from which it often escapes, and may also be found in grazed woodlands. Large areas of rangeland have been seeded with this and other forage species. In its native range in Asia, L. cuneata grows on exposed ground and grassy lowlands (Ohiwi 1965). In North America, L. cuneata occurs in disturbed habitats such as along roads, ditches, railroad tracks, and other moist disturbed places. It is often found as a weed in cultivated areas, fallow and abandoned fields, meadows, and marshes.

L. cuneata is adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions, is tolerant of drought, and grows best where annual rainfall is over 76 to 89 cm (30 to 35 in). It prefers winters that are dry and summers that are wet (Guernsey 1970). Stands of L. cuneata can survive freezing winter temperatures, but are often damaged by late spring freezes (Helm & Etheridge 1933). L. cuneata can survive flooding for up to ten days in cool, moving water, but cannot survive prolonged periods submerged in warm water (Guernsey 1970).

L. cuneata can grow in shallow soils, but grows best in deep soils, such as deep sands with organic matter or sandy loams with clay loam subsoil. It has successfully invaded the deep, well-drained loess soils of Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and the deep red soils of the Piedmont Plateau (Appalachian Highlands). L. cuneata will also grow on strongly acidic to neutral soils, but prefers soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5 (Guernsey 1970).

ECOLOGY & BIOLOGY

L. cuneata is a shrubby aggressive perennial. Its competitive ability and persistence are increased by a lack of continuous grazing, burning at inappropriate times, high rates of disturbance, and by the allelopathic compounds it produces. It colonizes bare ground and grassland areas, and strongly competes with native species. L. cuneata can invade open, natural communities and displace native species. It grows best in deep well-drained soils with adequate moisture, and is somewhat suppressed in shallow soils. L. cuneata can sprout from root buds after burning or mowing, and a combination of burning, herbicide application, and mowing is required for adequate control of this weed.

Vegetative Growth

L. cuneata can reproduce by seeds, as well as spread vegetatively, forming dense stands with many upright stems. Mature plants begin growth earlier in spring than most other plants. Crown buds produce new shoots each year, which are tender and succulent until they reach a height of 30 to 38 cm (Guernsey 1970; Hoveland & Donnelly 1985). Older stems become coarse and woody unless they are continuously mowed or grazed (Blair 1933; Ball & Donnelly 1985). Plants have only one stem the first year, but the density of stems increases with the age of the plants. Dense stands of L. cuneata may produce 5 to 30 stems in four years, and isolated plants have been documented to produce over a hundred stems (Blair 1933). Stands can live for over 20 years, and regrowth following clipping is from lateral buds (Helm & Etheridge 1933; Hoveland et al. 1975).

Flowering & Fruiting

Flowers of L. cuneata typically bloom from July to October in the U.S., with the production of chasmogamous flowers preceding the production of the cleistogamous flowers. Daylength, amount of light available, and temperature determine the quantity of each type of flower produced, and numbers of seeds produced (McKee & Hyland 1941; Bates 1955; Ohiwi 1965; Donnelly & Patterson 1969).

Seed production is also affected by weather conditions, pollination of the chasmogamous flowers by honeybees and other insects, and the time and frequency of cutting treatments (Ansley 1960; Cope 1966a; Guernsey 1970; Adamson 1973; Donnelly 1979). Greater numbers of seeds are generally produced in years with high rainfall and in years when bee populations are high.

Clipping or grazing during the growing season lessens seed yields. Frequent cutting increases the proportion of cleistogamous flowers, and therefore, reduces the proportion and absolute number of chamogamous seeds produced (Ansley 1960; Adamson 1973; Donnelly 1979).

Seed & Seedling Biology

L. cuneata reproduces both vegetatively and sexually. The seeds produced from by chasmogamous (outcrossed) flowers do not germinate well unless they are scarified (Blair 1933). Temperature and daylength affect rates of seedling emergence and rates of seedling growth (Pieters 1934; Bates 1955; Mosjidis 1990). The optimum temperature range for germination is 20° to 30° C (Qiu et al. 1995). Seedling emergence is reduced 20% with each 3° C reduction in day/night temperatures (Mosjidis 1990). Seedling growth is best at 26°/22° C day/night temperatures and at 13 to 15 hour daylengths.

Hybridization

Little crossing occurs among different species of the genus Lespedeza (Pieters 1934). L. cuneata can produce viable hybrids from crossings with L. latissima , L. inschanica , and L. hedysaroides (Hanson & Cope 1955a). No viable hybrids, however, have been obtained from crosses between American perennial Lespedeza species and other Asian Lespedeza species, or when perennial Lespedeza species attempt to hybridize with annual Lespedeza species. Hybrids were also not viable when crossing between species with different chromosome numbers (Brinkley et al. 1959).

ECONOMIC & OTHER USES

Forage

L. cuneata was widely planted in the southeastern U.S. as early as the 1900s as forage for livestock. This warm-season perennial forage has high yields and tolerates a wide range of different soil, temperature, and moisture conditions. Cattle prefer L. cuneata new growth with fine pliable stems and low tannin content, and eat seeds before frost. L. cuneata provides good forage for goats; it is however, not good forage for dairy cattle or for hogs (Hawkins 1959; Schmidt et al. 1982).

Allelopathic compounds in L. cuneata , such as tannins, inhibit the growth of other plants while also making it unpalatable to animals. The leaves of L. cuneata are higher in tannin content than the stems, and the upper portions of the plant tend to be higher in tannin content than the lower stems (Minton 1951). As the plant ages, levels of tannins also increase, and grazers will often cease to feed on L. cuneata if other palatable forage is available.

Wildlife

L. cuneata is not an important food for native birds or mammals. Some herbivores will eat L. cuneata , but only early in the season when shoots are tender or when no other food is available. As the plants age, tannin content within the plant increases and the stems become more coarse, woody, and unpalatable.

L. cuneata is sometimes used as cover for wildlife on crop fields bordering woods. L. bicolor (bicolored lespedeza, an exotic) is often planted next to woods with L. cuneata planted along the remainder of the border (Davison 1945; Clewell 1966; Guernsey 1970). Quail, grasshopper sparrows, meadowlarks, and greater prairie chickens have been documented to build nests in L. cuneata plants and bobwhite quail consume seeds of L. cuneata (Davison 1945).

Planting & Reclamation

L. cuneata is planted for erosion control and soil conservation on roadways, waterways and outlets, dams, field borders, strip mine spoils, and other places that are easily eroded. Thick stands of L. cuneata are usually not achieved, however, for several years. Quick growing grasses (generally exotics) are usually planted to protect the soils from erosion until L. cuneata can develop large stands. Black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia ) has also been planted with L. cuneata on strip mine spoils (Guernsey 1970; Wright et al. 1978). L. cuneata should not be planted where it can easily spread into adjacent prairie and other natural grasslands.

MANAGEMENT

Potential for Restoration of Invaded Sites

The potential for large-scale restoration of wildlands infested with L. cuneata is probably low, unless the entire area is continually treated for several consecutive years. Complete elimination of L. cuneata is difficult. If control efforts are applied when the infestation is still small, there is a moderate to high potential for restoration.

Spraying can kill mature plants, but large numbers of viable seeds can remain in the seed bank for several years. Pastures and rangelands must also be monitored for several years to determine if L. cuneata is completely destroyed. Disturbed areas have a high potential for invasion by L. cuneata . Plants are difficult to identify in the first year of growth and can develop into large stands before they are noticed. It is difficult to find and spray all the plants in an area. Unless the continued planting of L. cuneata along highways and around reservoirs is stopped, it will be extremely difficult to control.

Integrated Management

The best control of L. cuneata combines both mechanical and chemical treatments. Hand pulling is impractical due to its extensive perennial root system, but mowing plants at the flower bud stage for two to three consecutive years can significantly reduce the vigor of stands as well as control further spread. Mowing followed by a herbicide treatment is likely the most effective option for the successful control of L. cuneata .

Cultural Controls

The increasing range of L. cuneata can be slowed if it is no longer sold or planted as erosion control along highways or around reservoirs. Its use as a forage plant should also be halted. Listing of L. cuneata as a noxious species will facilitate stopping its spread.

Herbicide

Most current management procedures require the use of herbicides to control the growth and expansion of L. cuneata . Metsulfuron methyl (Escort ® ), triclopyr (Garlon ® ), clopyralid (Transline ® ) and glyphosate (RoundUp ® ) are some herbicides that are known to control L. cuneata . Herbicide should be applied to L. cuneata in early to midsummer, during the flower bud stage. A 2% triclopyr solution or a 0.5% clopyralid solution is effective in controlling L. cuneata during the vegetative stage prior to branching or during flowering. In wet sites, a 2% solution of an aquatic-approved glyphosate formulation (Rodeo ® , Aquamaster ® ) is effective from early summer until seed set (Remaley 1998).

Prescribed Burning

Prescribed burning, by itself, does not control populations of L. cuneata . Spring burns actually stimulate resprouting and encourage seed germination. Even so, prescribed burns applied late in the season and in combination with other control methods can help control L. cuneata . Late season burns decrease mature L. cuneata vigor, remove that year’s seeds, and decrease seedling survival. Following a late season burn, herbicide can be applied, then mowed for good control results.

MONITORING

In natural areas management, monitoring programs will likely need to assess changes in abundance of both L. cuneata and desirable native species as well as other changes in desirable community attributes. Such programs should have explicit objectives that can be measured and that are meaningful from both a biological and management standpoint. Monitoring the status of other conservation targets, such as invertebrates dependent on specific nectar sources, may be more important than tracking invasives. In general, the monitoring objectives should support and conform to the management objectives.

Monitoring change in both untreated and treated areas can be an effective and powerful way of determining whether or not any detected changes have resulted from management activities. Since L. cuneata acts as an early successional species in some systems, declines in abundance may occur over time without management.

RESEARCH

Further research is needed on the impacts of L. cuneata on natural areas, and on the effects of L. cuneata control programs on native species, especially where grassland communities are conservation targets. More information is also needed on selective control measures. Field experiments with timing of burns, different grazing or mowing regimes, and herbicide combinations are also needed. Several insects may damage L. cuneata (e.g., the three-cornered alfalfa leaf hopper ( Spissistulus festinus ), grass army worms ( Pseudodaleta unipunta ), grasshoppers ( Schistocerca americana ) and the lespedeza webworm ( Tetralopha scortealis )), but more needs to be learned before they could be intentionally augmented or released to control the plants (Guernsey 1970; Hoveland & Donnelly 1985; Jones 1987).

INFORMATION SOURCES

Bibliography

Adamson, H. C. 1973. Influence of cutting and irrigation on seed and forage yields, chasmogamy, and seed weight of Interstate sericea lespedeza , Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don. Unpubl. M.S. thesis, Auburn Univ., Alabama, 57 pp.

Ansley, W. 1960. The influence of time and frequency of cutting on persistence, forage, yield, seed yield, and seed type of sericea lespedeza . Unpubl. M.S. thesis, Auburn Univ., Alabama, 63 pp.

Ball, D. M. and E. D. Donnelly. 1985. Sericea lespedeza for grazing, hay, or conservation. Auburn Univ. Coop. Ext. Serv. Circ. ANR-445, 11 pp.

Bare, J. E. 1979. Wildflowers and weeds of Kansas. The Regents Press of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 509 pp.

Barkley, T. M. 1977. Atlas of the flora of the great plains. The Great Plains Flora Assoc., Iowa State Univ. Press, Ames, Iowa, 600 pp.

Barkley, T. M. 1986. Flora of the great plains. Great Plains Flora Assoc., Univ. Press of Kansas, 1392 pp.

Bates, R. P. 1955. Effects of photo-periods on plant growth, flowering, seed production, and tannin content of Lespedeza cuneata . Agron. J., 47:564-567.

Blair, E. C. 1933. Lespedeza in North Carolina. North Carolina Agri. College Ext. Cir. 195, (Rev. 1937), 8pp.

Brinkley, R. M., C. H. Henson, and W. A. Cope. 1959. Growth and morphological characters of induced autotetraploids of Lespedeza cuneata , L. stipulacea , and L. stricta , and infertility of these species at diploid and tetraploid levels. Agron. J., 51:143-147.

Clewell, A. F. 1966. I. Identification of the Lespedeza’s in North America. II. A selected bibliography on lespedeza. Tallahassee, Fla., Tall Timbers Res. Sta. Bull. No. 7, 29 pp.

Cope, W. A. 1966a. Cross-pollination in sericea lespedeza . Crop Sci., 6:469-470.

Cope, W. A. 1966b. Growth rate and yield in sericea lespedeza in relation to seed size and outcrossing. Crop Sci., 6:566-568.

Cope, W. A. 1971. Expression of heterosis in sericea lespedeza with competitive vs. noncompetitive plant spacing. Crop Sci., 11:761-763.

Correll, D. S., M. C. Johnston, and Collaborators. 1979. Manual of the vascular plants of Texas, 2nd print., Univ. of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, 1881 pp.

Davison, V. E. 1945. Wildlife values of the Lespedezas. J. of Wildl. Mgmt., 9:1-9.

Donnelly, E. D. 1979. Selection for chasmogamy in sericea lespedeza . Crop Sci., 19:528-531.

Donnelly, E. D. and R. M. Patterson. 1969. Effect of irrigation and clipping on seed production and chasmogamy of sericea lespedeza genotypes. Agron J., 61:501-502.

Donnelly, E. D., R. Dickens, D. G. Sturkie, and J. D. Miller. 1970. Interstate sericea lespedeza--a multi-purpose legume. Auburn Univ. Exp. Sta. Leaflet 80, 8 pp.

Griffith, C. 1996. Sericea lespedeza --a friend or foe? AG News and Views, 14(10):4.

Guernsey, W. J. 1970. Sericea lespedeza , its use and management. U. S. D. A. Farmers Bull. 2245:1-29.

Hanson, C. H. and W. A. Cope. 1955a. Interspecific hybridization in Lespedeza. J. Hered., 46:233-238.

Hanson, C. H. and W. A. Cope. 1955b. Reproduction in cleistogamous flowers of ten perennial species of lespedeza. Amer. J. of Bot., 42:624-627.

Hawkins, G. E. Jr. 1959. Nutritive qualities of sericea lespedeza forage. Alabama Polytec. Inst. Agri. Exp. Sta. Bull. 318, 19 pp.

Helm, C. G. and W. C. Etheridge. 1933. Lespedeza sericea lespedeza the newest legume for Missouri. Univ. of Missouri Agri. Exp. Sta. Bull. 331, 15 pp.

Hoveland, C. S. and E. D. Donnelly. 1985. The Lespedezas. Pp. 128-135, in Forages: The science of grass agriculture (M. E. Heath et al, eds.). Fourth ed. Iowa State Univ. Press, Ames, Iowa.

Hoveland, C. S., W. B. Anthony, E. L. Carden, J. K. Boseck, and W. B. Webster. 1975. Sericea lespedeza -grass mixture. Auburn Univ. Agri. Exp. Sta. Circ. 221, 12 pp.

Jones, J. D. Jr. 1987. Response of sericea lespedeza to herbicides and weed-control systems. Unpubl. M.S. thesis, Auburn Univ., Alabama, 155 pp.

Kartesz, J. T. 1994a. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the U. S., Canada, and Greenland, Vol. I, Checklist. Second ed. Biota of N. A. Program of the No. Carolina Botanical Garden, Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon, 622 pp.

Kartesz, J. T. 1994b. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the U. S., Canada, and Greenland, Vol. II, Thesaurus. Second ed. Biota of N. A. Program of the No. Carolina Botanical Garden, Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon, 622 pp.

McCarthy, G. 1896. Hairy Lespedeza.-- Lespedeza sericea lespedeza . North Carolina Agri. Exp. Sta. Bull. 133, pp 339 & 346.

McKee, R. and H. L. Hyland. 1941. Apetalous and petaliferous flowers in Lespedeza. Amer. Soc. Agron. J., 33:811-815.

Minton, E. B. 1951. Tannin content of individual plants of various strains and species of perennial Lespedeza. Unpubl. M.S. thesis, Auburn Univ., Alabama, 46 pp.

Mosjidis, C. O., C. M. Peterson, and J. A. Mosjidis. 1990. Developmental differences in the location of polyphenols and condensed tannins in leaves and stems of sericea lespedeza, Lespedeza cuneata . Anns. of Bot., 65:355-360.

Ohiwi, J. 1965. Flora of Japan, (In English), Translation of Flora of Japan, 1953. Smithsonian Institution, Washington D. C., 1067 pp.

Peterson, D. E., D. L. Regehr, P. D. Ohlenbusch, W. H. Fisk, P. W. Stahlman and D. K. Kuhlman. 1996. Chemical weed control for field crops, pastures, rangeland, and non-cropland. Manhattan, Kansas, Agri. Exp. Sta. Kansas State Univ., SRP748, p 52.

Pieters, A. J. 1934. The little book of Lespedeza. The Colonial Press, Washington D. C., 94 pp.

Qiu, J., J. A. Mosjidis, and J. C. Williams. 1995. Variability for temperature of germination in sericea lespedeza germplasm. Crop Sci., 35:237-241.

Remaley, T. 1998. Plant Conservation Alliance, Alien Plant Working Group: Chinese Lespedeza. Available at: http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/lecu1.htm (Accessed November 7, 2002).

Schmidt, S. P., E. D. Donnelly, C. S. Hoveland, and R. A. Moore. 1982. Steers make good gains grazing sericea lespedeza and alfalfa. Auburn Univ. Agri. Exp. Sta. Highlights of Agri. Res., 29(4):4.

Stitt, R. E. 1943. Variation in the tannin content of clonal and open-pollinated lines of perennial lespedezas. J. Amer. Soc. of Agron., 34:944-954.

Stitt, R. E. 1946. Natural crossing and segregation in lespedeza, Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don. J. Amer. Soc. of Agron., 38(1):1-5.

Wright, D. L., R. E. Blaser, and J. M. Woodruff. 1978. Seedling emergence as related to temperature and moisture tension. Agron. J., 70:709-712.

USDA, NRCS. 2002. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 ( http://plants.usda.gov ). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA. (Accessed November 7, 2002)

Original Document

Element Stewardship Abstract; Sandy Stevens, eds. Mandy Tu, Barry Rice and John Randall, 2002.

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Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don
sericea lespedeza

       
Symbol:   LECU  
Group:   Dicot  
Family:   Fabaceae  
Duration:   Perennial  
Growth Habit:   Subshrub
Forb/herb
 
Native Status:  
L48    I
HI    I
CAN    I?



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Photo of Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don
Steve Hurst. Provided by ARS Systematic Botany and Mycology Laboratory . Japan, Fukuoka. Usage Requirements .
 
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Images:
Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don

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Synonyms:
Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don

  LEJUS Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers. var. sericea Maxim.
  LESE12 Lespedeza sericea Miq., nom. illeg.
 

Distribution:
Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don

View Native Status
Distribution Map Legend

See U.S. county distributions (when available) by clicking on the map or the linked states below:

USA ( AL , AR , CT, DC , DE, FL , GA , HI , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD, MI , MO , MS , NC , NE , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WI , WV ), CAN (ON)
 

Related Taxa:
Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don

View 236 genera in Fabaceae , 36 species in Lespedeza or click below on a thumbnail map or name for species profiles.
Distribution of Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don var. serpens (Nakai) Ohwi. .
Lespedeza cuneata var. serpens
sericea lespedeza
Plant is native (blue) Native    Plant is introduced Introduced
Related taxa legend
 

Classification:
Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don

Click on a scientific name below to expand it in the PLANTS Classification Report.
   
Kingdom Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass Rosidae
Order Fabales
Family Fabaceae – Pea family
Genus Lespedeza Michx. – lespedeza
Species Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don – sericea lespedeza
 

Noxious Weed Information:
Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don

This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Common names are from state and federal lists. Click on a place name to get a complete noxious weed list for that location, or click here for a composite list of all Federal and State Noxious Weeds .

Colorado :
sericea lespedeza              A list (noxious weeds)
Kansas :
sericea lespedeza              Noxious weed
 

U.S. Weed Information:
Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don

Chinese lespedeza
sericea lespedeza

This plant can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below. This plant may be known by one or more common names in different places, and some are listed above. Click on an acronym to view each weed list, or click here for a composite list of Weeds of the U.S.

STATE        Assorted authors. 200_. State noxious weed lists for 46 states . State agriculture or natural resource departments.
SEEPPC        Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council. 1996. Invasive exotic pest plants in Tennessee (19 October 1999). Research Committee of the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council. Tennessee.
 

Introduced Information:
Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don

This plant is introduced to some part of the PLANTS Floristic Area, though it may be native in other parts. Click on link below for a partial or complete list of PFA introduced plants.

Scientific Name= A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | all
Common Name= A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | all
 

Wetland Indicator Status:
Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don

Nat. Ind. Reg. 1 Reg. 2 Reg. 3 Reg. 4 Reg. 5 Reg. 6 Reg. 7 Reg. 8 Reg. 9 Reg. 0 Reg. A Reg. C Reg. H
NI NI NI NI NO NI NI NO NO NO NO NO NO NO
Interpreting Wetland Indicator Status
 

Wildlife Habitat Values:
Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don

  Large Mammals Small Mammals Water Birds Terrestrial Birds
Source Large Mammals Food Large Mammals Cover Small Mammals Food Small Mammals Cover Water Birds Food Water Birds Cover Terrestrial Birds Food Terrestrial Birds Cover
Miller Low     Moderate     Moderate Moderate
Wildlife Habitat Values

 

Miller, J.H., and K.V. Miller. 1999. Forest plants of the southeast and their wildlife uses . Southern Weed Science Society.

 

More Accounts and Images:
Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don

View species account from USDA Forest Service Fire Effects Information System (FEIS).

View species account , photographs , and distribution from USF Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants.

View species account from ARS Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN).

View taxonomic account from Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) for ITIS Taxonomic Serial Number 25898.

View photographs and distribution from University of Tennessee Herbarium.

View species account and photographs from University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Freckmann Herbarium.

 

Related Web Sites:
Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don

AZ-Southwest Exotic Plant Information Clearinghouse

FAO-Animal Feed Resources Information System

GA-Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council

Global Invasive Species Database

IN-Invasive Plants of Indiana (INPWS)

International Legume Data Information System

Invasive and Exotic Species of North America Images

KS-KDA Noxious Weed Law

KS-Multi-state Sericia Lespedeza Work Group

KS-Noxious Weeds in Kansas

MD-DNR Invasive and Exotic Plants

MO-Missouri Plants

MO-Missouri Vegetation Management Manual

MO-Missouri Vegetation Management Manual

MO-Missouri Weeds

NC-Invasive Exotic Plants (NCBG)

NE-Lancaster County Weed Control Authority

NY-Worst Invasives of the New York Metro Area (BBG)

OH-Ohio State University Seed ID

OK-Noble Foundation Plant Image Gallery

Plant Conservation Alliance-Alien Plant Working Group

Southwest Exotic Plant Information Clearinghouse

TNC Weeds

TNC-Invasives on the Web

Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council

UK-Plants For A Future

USGS NBII

VA-Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia

VA-Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia

VA-Virginia Tech Weed Identification Guide

www.invasives.org

 
 
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    Lespedeza cuneata (herb, shrub)
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       Flowers (Photo: Dan Tenaglia, www.missouriplants.com, www.forestryimages.org) - Click for full size    Flowers (Photo: Dan Tenaglia, www.missouriplants.com, www.forestryimages.org) - Click for full size    Branches from mid-plant to form a wedge, which is the meaning of cuneata from the Latin (Photo: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org) - Click for full size    Cream colored tiny flowers having purple spots (Photo: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org) - Click for full size    Seeds (Photo: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org) - Click for full size    Infestation (Photo: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org) - Click for full size    Plants (Photo: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org) - Click for full size    Foliage (Photo: Chris Evans, The University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org) - Click for full size    Lespedeza cuneata (Photo: Jil M. Swearingen, USDI National Park Service, www.forestryimages.org) - Click for full size    Infestation (Photo: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org0 - Click for full size
    Taxonomic name: Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont-Cours.) G. Don
    Synonyms: Anthyllis cuneata Dum. Cours., Aspalathus cuneata D. Don, Hedysarum sericeum Thunb., Lespedeza juncea subsp. sericea (Maxim.) Steenis, Lespedeza juncea var. sericea Forbes & Hemsl., Lespedeza juncea var. sericea Maxim., Lespedeza sericea Benth., Lespedeza sericea Miq.
    Common names: Chinese bush-clover (English), Chinese lespedeza (English), hairy lespedeza (English), Himalayan bushclover (English), Japanischer Klee (German), lespedeza perenne (Spanish), lespédéza soyeux (French), perennial lespedeza (English), sericea lespedeza (English), silky bush-clover (English)
    Organism type: herb, shrub
    Lespedeza cuneata is a long-lived perennial that grows well in grasslands, pastures, along roadsides, drainage areas, fencerows and in other disturbed areas. It is often found as a weed in cultivated areas, fallow and abandoned fields, meadows and marshes. It is adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions and is tolerant of drought. Lespedeza cuneata can survive freezing winter temperatures, but is often damaged by late spring freezes. Lespedeza cuneata grows best in deep soils, such as deep sands with organic matter or sandy loams with clay loam subsoil. It will also grow on strongly acidic to neutral soils. Dispersal is aided by animals that consume the fruits then pass the seeds; autumn dispersal is aided by the collection of hay in infested fields.
    Description
    Remaley (1997) states that L. cuneata is a warm season, perennial herb of the pea family ( Fabaceae ). It has an erect growth form, ranging from about 1 - 1.5m in height, and leaves that alternate along the stem. Each leaf is divided into three smaller leaflets, about 1.2 - 2.5cm long, which are narrowly oblong and pointed, with awl-shaped spines. Leaflets are covered with densely flattened hairs, giving a greyish-green or silvery appearance. Mature stems are somewhat woody and fibrous with sharp, stiff, flattened bristles. Violet to purple flowers emerge either singly or in clusters of 2-4, from the axils of the upper and median leaves.
    Stevens (2002) states that L. Cuneata can be distinguished by leaf shape, flower colour, and by its general growth form. It is the only species within the genus Lespedeza with cuneate or wedge-shaped leaf bases. It has flowers of two types: chasmogamous (petaliferous) flowers or cleistogamous (apetalous) flowers. The chasmogamous flowers are typically cream-white to yellow-white in colour, and the upper-most (banner) petal can have pink- or purple-coloured veins. The calyx is 3 to 4mm long. Chasmogamous flowers grow in clusters of 1 to 4 flowers per leaf axis. Cleistogamous flowers are always self-fertilized (versus cross-fertilized in chasmogamous flowers), typically do not open, and do not have showy petals. Cleistogamous flowers have a calyx 1.5 to 2.0mm long and are generally scattered among the chasmogamous flowers (Pieters 1934, Stitt 1946, Hanson and Cope 1955b, in Stevens, 2002). Stevens (2002) states that the fruits are 3 to 5mm long and are glabrous or with appressed hairs. Seeds are shiny, slightly flattened, ellipsoid to oval, and can be tan, olive, purple, or a mottled brown colour. Seeds from the two flower types can easily be distinguished from each other by their shape and size (McKee and Hyland 1941, Cope 1966a,b,1971, in Stevens, 2002).
    Occurs in:
    agricultural areas, natural forests, range/grasslands, ruderal/disturbed, urban areas, wetlands
    Habitat description
    Stevens (2002) reports that L. cuneata is adapted to a wide range of conditions. It is cultivated for pasture, from which it often escapes, and may also be found in grazed woodlands. In its native range in Asia, it grows on exposed ground and grassy lowlands (Ohiwi 1965, in Stevens, 2002). Stevens (2002) states that in North America, it occurs in disturbed habitats such as along roads, ditches, railroad tracks, and other moist, disturbed places. It is often found as a weed in cultivated areas, fallow and abandoned fields, meadows, and marshes. It is adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions, is tolerant of drought, and grows best where annual rainfall is over 76 to 89cm. It prefers winters that are dry and summers that are wet (Guernsey 1970, in Stevens, 2002). Stands of L. cuneata can survive freezing winter temperatures, but are often damaged by late spring freezes (Helm and Etheridge 1933, in Stevens, 2002). It can survive flooding for up to ten days in cool, moving water, but cannot survive prolonged periods submerged in warm water (Guernsey 1970, in Stevens, 2002). It can grow in shallow soils, but grows best in deep soils, such as deep sands with organic matter or sandy loams with clay loam subsoil. It will also grow on strongly acidic to neutral soils, but prefers soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5 (Guernsey 1970, in Stevens, 2002).
    General impacts
    Coladonato (1992) states that this plant is a colonizer of early to mid-seral grasslands and open forest communities. In a mixture with grass it usually becomes the dominant species after 3 to 4 years. Stevens (2002) states that L. cuneata 's deep taproot enables it to outcompete native plants for water and nutrients, especially during periods of prolonged drought. Although originally introduced as a forage plant, it has stems that become tough and unpalatable unless kept continually mowed or grazed. The number of stems produced by each plant increases each year, until large, pure stands are formed that can take over entire fields. In natural areas, these stands can become so dense that native plants are reduced. It also produces chemicals, such as tannins, that can inhibit the growth of other plants and promote the formation of pure stands of L. cuneata . It readily escapes from cultivation into native grasslands and agricultural areas, and can seriously impact natural areas.
    Uses
    Stevens (2002) states that it was widely planted in the Southeastern U.S. as early as the 1900s as forage for livestock. Cattle prefer L. cuneata new growth, which have fine, pliable stems and a low tannin content. It provides good forage for goats; it is, however, not good forage for dairy cattle or for hogs (Hawkins 1959, Schmidt et al . 1982, in Stevens, 2002). Stevens (2002) reports that allelopathic compounds in L. cuneata , such as tannins, inhibit the growth of other plants while also making it unpalatable to animals. The leaves are higher in tannin content than the stems, and the upper portions of the plant tend to be higher in tannin content than the lower stems (Minton 1951, in Stevens, 2002). As the plant ages, levels of tannins also increase, and grazers will often cease to feed if other palatable forage is available. It is not an important food for native birds or mammals. Some herbivores will eat L. cuneata , but only early in the season when shoots are tender or when no other food is available. It is sometimes used as cover for wildlife on crop fields bordering woods. Quail, grasshopper sparrows, meadowlarks, and greater prairie chickens have been documented to build nests in this plant, and bobwhite quail consume seeds of L. cuneata (Davison 1945, in Stevens, 2002). Stevens (2002) cites that it is planted for erosion control and soil conservation on roadways, waterways and outlets, dams, field borders, strip mine spoils, and other places that are easily eroded.
    Notes
    A few crossings occurs among different species of the genus Lespedeza (Pieters 1934, in Stevens, 2002). L. cuneata can produce viable hybrids from crossings with L. latissima , L. inschanica , and L. hedysaroides (Hanson and Cope 1955a, in Stevens, 2002). No viable hybrids, however, have been obtained from crosses between American perennial species and other Asian species, or when perennial Lespedeza species attempt to hybridize with annual Lespedeza species. Hybrids were also not viable when crossing between species with different chromosome numbers (Brinkley et al . 1959, in Stevens, 2002).
    Geographical range
    Native range : Stevens (2002) states that L. cuneata is native to Asia and Australia. It is a common native plant in Korea, China, Taiwan, India, Australia, and on a few Japanese islands (Ohiwi 1965, in Stevens, 2002).
    Known introduced range : It was introduced to the southeastern United States in the 1800s for forage and soil conservation. It has also been introduced to South Africa, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico (Pieters 1934, Donnelly et al . 1970, Hoveland and Donnelly 1985, in Stevens, 2002). Remaley (1997) states that it is now found throughout the U.S.
    Introduction pathways to new locations
    Agriculture: Remaley (1997) states that the plant was first introduced to the southern United States for soil improvement, livestock forage, and wildlife forage and cover.
    Landscape/fauna "improvement": L. cuneata was introduced to the southeastern United States in the 1800s for forage and for soil conservation measures (Stevens, 2002), such as bank stabilization (Remaley, 1997).


    Local dispersal methods
    Agriculture (local): Remaley (1997) states that autumn dispersal is aided by the haying of infested fields.
    Consumption/excretion: Remaley (1997) states that dispersal is aided by animals consuming the fruits and passing the seeds.
    Natural dispersal (local): Stevens (2002) states that it can reproduce by seeds, as well as spread vegetatively, forming dense stands with many upright stems.
    Management information
    Stevens (2002) states that the potential for large-scale restoration of wildlands infested with L. cuneata is probably low, unless the entire area is continually treated for several consecutive years. Complete elimination of L. cuneata is difficult. If control efforts are applied when the infestation is still minimal, the potential for successful restoration is moderate to high.

    Preventative measures : In the USA, the increasing range of L. cuneata can be slowed if it is no longer sold or planted as erosion control along highways or around reservoirs. Its use as a forage plant should also be halted. Listing of L. cuneata as a noxious species will facilitate stopping its spread.

    Chemical : Spraying can kill mature plants, but large numbers of viable seeds can remain in the seed bank for several years. Pastures and rangelands must also be monitored for several years to determine if it is completely destroyed. Disturbed areas have a high potential for invasion by this weed. Plants are difficult to identify in the first year of growth and can develop into large stands before they are noticed. It is difficult to find and spray all the plants in an area.

    Most current management procedures require the use of herbicides to control the growth and expansion of L. cuneata . Metsulfuron methyl (Escort®), triclopyr (Garlon®), clopyralid (Transline®) and glyphosate (RoundUp®) are some herbicides that are known to control this invasive. Herbicide should be applied early to midsummer, during the flower bud stage. A 2% triclopyr solution or a 0.5% clopyralid solution is effective in controlling L. cuneata during the vegetative stage prior to branching or during flowering. In wet sites, a 2% solution of an aquatic-approved glyphosate formulation (Rodeo®, Aquamaster®) is effective from early summer until seed set (Remaley 1998, in Stevens, 2002).

    Integrated management : The best control method combines both mechanical and chemical treatments. Hand pulling is impractical due to its extensive perennial root system, but mowing plants at the flower bud stage for two to three consecutive years can significantly reduce the vigor of stands as well as control further spread. Mowing followed by an herbicide treatment is likely the most effective option for the successful control.

    Prescribed burning, by itself, does not control populations of L. cuneata . Spring burns actually stimulate resprouting and encourage seed germination. Even so, prescribed burns applied late in the season and in combination with other control methods can help control L. cuneata . Late season burns decrease mature plant vigor, remove that year’s seeds, and decrease seedling survival. Following a late season burn, herbicide can be applied, then mowed for good control results.

    Nutrition
    Stevens (2002) states that L. cuneata establishes readily in nutrient poor soils.
    Reproduction
    Stevens (2002) states that it can reproduce by seed, as well as spread vegetatively, forming dense stands with many upright stems. Remaley (1997) states that it begins growth from root crown buds at the base of last year’s stem. Stevens (2002) cites that a greater number of seeds are generally produced in years with high rainfall and in years when bee populations are high. Day length, amount of light available, and temperature determine the quantity of each type of flower produced, and numbers of seeds produced (McKee and Hyland 1941, Bates 1955, Ohiwi 1965, Donnelly and Paterson 1969, in Stevens, 2002). Stands can live for over 20 years, and regrowth following clipping is from lateral buds (Helm and Etheridge 1933, Hoveland et al . 1975, in Stevens, 2002).
    Lifecycle stages
    Remaley (1997) states that scarification is necessary for the germination of seeds. Mature seeds of this genus remain viable for up to twenty years; one study found a germination rate of 60% after cold storage for 55 years. Seedlings may represent only 1% of the seeds actually available in the soil. The optimum temperature range for germination is 20° to 30° C (Qiu et al . 1995, in Stevens, 2002). Seedling emergence is reduced 20% with each 3° C reduction in day/night temperatures (Mosjidis 1990, in Stevens, 2002). Stevens (2002) states that the seedling growth is best at 26°/22° C day/night temperatures and at 13 to 15 hour day lengths.
    Reviewed by: Dr Terrence G. Bidwell Professor and Extension Specialist Rangeland Ecology and Management Department of Plant and Soil Sciences Oklahoma State University Stillwater. USA
    Compiled by: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
    Last Modified: Monday, 24 January 2005


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The Global Invasive Species Database is managed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. It was developed as part of the global initiative on invasive species led by the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) and is supported through partnerships with the National Biological Information Infrastructure, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research and the University of Auckland. Conditions of use .
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Following modified from Taiwan Biodiversity National Information Network
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Kingdom Plantae  
 Phylum Magnoliophyta  
 Class Magnoliopsida  
 Order Fabales  
 Family Leguminosae  
 Genus Lespedeza  
  Lespedeza cuneata    (Dumont d. Cours.) G. Don., 1832 
Provider: Ching-I Peng 
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Synonyms: Hedysarum sericeum Lespedeza juncea sericea Lespedeza sericea details
Citation: Flora of Taiwan 2nd ed. 3: 319, 1993 
Name Code: 203172
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