Species specifics: Sericea lespedeza

Fast facts

A perennial legume that was once promoted as favorable to wildlife and livestock, this plant has now become an invasive species and is listed as noxious in many states and counties in the United States
Contains tannins which degrades the protein digestibility and palatability of the plant to cattle
Highly prolific seed producing weed that peaks in September with over 1,000 long living seeds dropped per plant

What to look for

Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) is an erect warm-season plant that was once promoted for erosion control and favorable forage for livestock and wildlife but has now become a major problem across much of the United States due to its extremely competitive and invasive nature.

A deciduous perennial plant averaging 2 to 5 feet tall, sericea lespedeza features slightly woody, leafed stems that are up to 5 inches tall. Leaves are divided into three smaller leaflets on the lower portion of the stem that are flattened on the outer end that have small, flat hairs on the lower surface. White cream to yellow flowers bloom in mid- to late summer and may be tinged with purple. Peak seed production occurs in September and can last well into October, and each stem can drop thousands of seeds that can remain viable for over 20 years. Sericea has a deep taproot, making it able to weather drought conditions, and is relatively nondiscriminatory in the soil types that it prefers.

Technically classified as a legume, the levels of tannins in the plant increase as it matures, which both reduces the palatability and protein digestibility for cattle – an undesirable characteristic to tolerate in pastures. Not only is the weed high in tannins, which deter cattle from grazing the plant for more favorable forages nearby, sericea lespedeza contains chemicals that stunt the growth of surrounding plants. As a result, infestation of the weed can quickly lead to pastures where favorable forages are heavily overgrazed, allowing sericea lespedeza even more space to choke out native grasses and forbs. Livestock, including cattle, will consume field-dried hay containing sericea lespedeza as tannin concentration drops off in cut forages. However, caution should be taken when transporting hay from pastures containing the weed to help prevent new populations from establishing elsewhere.

Where it is found

Sericea is found throughout the Midwest and Great Plains, and the Southeast and Eastern Seaboard as far north as Massachusetts.

Because of its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types and moisture levels, and its ability to easily reestablish in new locations, sericea lespedeza has been declared a noxious weed in many counties and states including Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma, with many additional states recognizing it as a major invasive species.

How to treat it

Beginning at flower bud initiation through the full bloom stage of growth, apply 16 to 20 fluid ounces of PastureGard® HL herbicide or 16 to 24 fluid ounces of Remedy® Ultra herbicide per acre with compatible surfactant. Total spray volume for ground applications should be at least 10 gallons per acre. Total spray volume for aerial application should be at least 5 gallons.

For early summer applications, begin treatment when the weed is between 2 to 15 inches tall and can be continued throughout the season as long as sericea lespedeza plants are actively growing. A higher labeled rate should be used in late-season applications, such as fall, due to advanced growth stages of the plant.

PastureGard® HL herbicide is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions. When using Remedy® Ultra, always read and follow label directions. State restrictions on the sale and use of Remedy Ultra apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details.