Sericea Lespedeza

Lespedeza cuneata

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Description

Height to 5 ft., white to yellow 5-petaled pea-like flowers in a spike with purple or pink veins, in groups of 2-4; Flowers July to October. 3 leaflets that are oblong and pointed. Fruit is a one-seeded pod with slight pubescence.

Habitat

Typical in grasslands and roadsides; shore lines, streams, and thickets.

Location in Nebraska

Found in several Southeast counties in Nebraska.

Pathway of Introduction and Spread

Introduced from Asia for bank stabilization and forage. Wildlife movement spreads seeds; contained in grass seed mixes.

Impacts

Seeds remain viable for up to 20 years, contains dyes that reduce forage value and aggressively competes with native vegetation.

Photo Credits: 

“Weeds of the Great Plains” – Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Chris Evans, River to River CWMABugwood.org