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Sericea Lespedeza Weed

Sericea Lespedeza also known as Chinese bush clover, was introduced into the United States in the 1930's to control soil erosion and provide cover and food for wildlife. It was not recognized as a problem weed until the 1980's. It’s highly competitive and invasive nature, together with low palatability, makes it a threat on native rangeland and cool-season pastures. Sericea plants have the ability to thrive in acid soils and, drought conditions. It has few insect or disease problems.

Plant A
Plant A.

Plant B
Plant B.

Sericea lespedeza is a noxious weed in Kansas and may soon be a noxious weed in Missouri. The best approach to control is early detection, isolation of infected areas, and control of individual plants with approved herbicides. Normal management practices of grazing and prescribed burning will not be effective in preventing the spread of sericea.

Non-Chemical Control Methods

 Mowing
  • Mowing will reduce plant vigor if mowing occurs several times a year
  • Plants should be mowed each time they reach a height of 12 to 18 inches
  • Mowing has the biggest impact when it occurs late in the season
  • Mowing will not kill sericea and can sometimes damage desirable grasses
    • >

    Prescribed burning

  • Fire has minimal impacts on sericea stands
  • Burning can improve the effectiveness of herbicides sprayed after a spring burn

    • Grazing

  • Goats have shown to reduce growth and seed production, but not plant density
  • Cattle and horses will not eat sericea except very early in the season

    • Lespedeza Webworm

  • Webworms can reduce growth and seed production<

    • Chemical Control Methods
    -Crossbow
    2,4-D+Triclopyr
    -Remedy
    Triclopyr
    -Ally/Escort
    Metsulfuron
    -Vista (section 18 in KS)
    Fluroxypyr

    Keys to Sericea Lespedeza Management
    *Maintain grass stands through fertility, burning and proper grazing rates

    *Early detection of Sericea to reduce seed production is essential to weed management

    *Understand that it can take several years and multiple treatments to regain control of infested land

    Always check with local extension offices for the latest approved herbicide control methods.

    For more information of sericea lespedeza go to Kansas State University Publications and Videos http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library and search for MF-2408. Additional photos of sericea lespedeza http://www.psu.missouri.edu/fishel/sericea_lespedeza.htm. from University of Missouri.

    Gene Lanham, GLanham@oznet.ksu.edu
    County Extension Director
    Wyandotte County, Kansas
    Kansas State University Research and Extension

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