Sericea lespedeza
Lespedeza cuneata (DuMont) G. Don
Fabaceae (Legume family)
Description
Sericea lespedeza is a shrubby, deciduous perennial of the Legume family. It grows 2 to 5 feet tall. A native of eastern Asia, it is widely cultivated and escaping throughout the southeastern United States.
The coarse stems of sericea lespedeza may grow singly or in clusters. New growth each year comes from buds on the stem bases about 1 to 3 inches below ground. The stems and branches are dense with wedge-shaped leaves, ┬╝ to 1 inch long and 1/16 to ┬╝ inch wide.
Each leaf is round at the top with a point at the tip. The lower leaf surface has silky hairs. The flowers are yellowish white with purple to pink markings; they appear from mid-July to early October.
The forage value is fair for livestock and good for wildlife. However, the plant can be invasive, eliminating or reducing native plants.
Habitat
Sericea lespedeza grows in ditches, along fence rows and on disturbed rangeland and pastures. It establishes best on disturbed areas with minimal vegetation.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Flower Color: White
Seed Type: Bean/Pod
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Forbs/Broadleaf
Leaf Shape : Palmately Compound
Season: Warm
Distribution : 01 - Pineywoods, 03 - Post Oak Savannah, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Brush and Weeds of Texas Rangelands (B-6208)
Collection: Brush and Weeds