Plant of the Month: March, 2000

by Russell Stevens

Sericea Lespedeza
Lespdeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours.) G.Don

Characteristics: Sericea lespedeza is a warm season, introduced, perennial forb (legume) adapted to a variety of soil or range sites. Stems are coarse and the plant may reach 40 inches in height. Leaves are composed of three relatively narrow, club-shaped (cuneata means club-shaped) leaflets with blunt ends. The midvein extends through the margin (edge) of each leaflet, forming a needlelike point. Flowers are white or cream colored with a purple throat and are borne from July through October.

Area of Importance: All of Oklahoma (except the panhandle) and much of Texas. It is more widespread in the eastern portions of both states.

Attributes: Although the claim is not well documented, sericea lespedeza reportedly provides good forage to cattle, browse to deer, seed for birds, and erosion control. Goats will consume it at all stages of growth.

Problems: Because of its ability to adapt to a variety of sites and conditions, sericea lespedeza is very aggressive, forming dense colonies and invading other vegetation. Therefore, it is generally considered a noxious weed. Forage quality has been overrated. Cattle typically eat the forb only during its early growth stages. Tannin levels increase once plants begin to mature. Tannins are chemical compounds that bind protein and reduce the palatability of plants.

I.D. Tip: Look for leaflets with the midvein protruding through the blunt ends. Sericea lespedeza usually forms dense colonies, crowding out other vegetation. For more detailed description of and management recommendations for sericea lespedeza, contact your local Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and ask for Fact Sheet No. 2874, Ecology and Management of Sericea Lespedeza.

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Hundreds of plants are identified in the Noble Foundation Plant Image Gallery.