Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza Cuneata (Dumont) G
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Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don) Description for wildlife. Chinese lespedeza has A member of the pea family, Chinese spread throughout the south and lespedeza is an herbaceous to some- parts of the Midwest. In Virginia, it what woody perennial. Stems have is found in most of the state, but is numerous ascending branches which particularly common in the piedmont may grow 3 to 5 feet high. Leaves and coastal plain. are compound; each leaf has three leaflets. Leaflets are wedge-shaped Threats to oblong, and are green or some- Chinese lespedeza forms dense times silvery. Flowers occur close to stands which choke out native plant the stem at the bases of the upper species. Like many other members and median leaves. The flowers may of the pea family, it adds nitrogen to be solitary or in clusters of 2 - 4. the soil resulting in a richer soil. This Petals are less than half an inch long, may encourage further infestation by creamy white with violet-purple other non-native plant species to the streaks or veins. The seed pod, called exclusion of native species adapted a legume, is flattened and oval. An- to poor soil conditions. other common name for Chinese les- pedeza is sericea, a name which re- Control fers to the silky silvery undersides Chinese lespedeza’s root reserves Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata of the leaves. are low during the flower bud pe- (Dumont) G. Don) riod. Mowing at this time will reduce Habitat plant vigor and prevent the produc- tions, and the effective method and tion of more seed. This process re- timing of their application. Chinese lespedeza is commonly peated for 2 - 3 years should reduce Chinese lespedeza seeds can re- found in sparse woodlands, fields, the intensity of the infestation. main viable in the soil for many meadows, roadsides and disturbed Foliar application of a years. Fire appears to break seed open ground. Chinese lespedeza may glyphosate herbicide is effective late dormancy in Chinese Lespedeza in form dense stands on sterile eroded in the growing season while plants seedlings with lower viability. There- slopes. It is drought-resistant. are still green. Glyphosate herbicides fore, prescribed burning used to are recommended because they are force the seeds to germinate fol- Distribution biodegradable. However, glyphosate lowed by mechanical or chemical This plant was first introduced into is a nonselective systemic herbicide treatments may provide long term the southern United States from that affects all green vegetation. To control. eastern Asia. It has been used for be safe and effective herbicide use Contact an agricultural exten- erosion control, soil improvement, requires careful knowledge of the sion agent or natural resource spe- and as a source of food and cover chemicals, appropriate concentra- cialist for more information. For more information, contact the Department of Conservation and Recreation or the Virginia Native Plant Society. Virginia Native Plant Society P.O. Box 844, Annandale, VA 22030 203 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 786-7951 http://www.state.va.us/~dcr/vaher.html Invasive Alien Plant Species of Vir ginia Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don) Alternatives to Chinese Lespedeza for wildlife. Big bluestem Inland Fisheries, P.O. Box 11104, Native plant species are commer- (Andropogon gerardii), Indian grass Richmond, VA 23230-11041. cially available which provide ero- (Sorghastrum nutans), and sideoats For more information on this and sion control, soil improvement, and grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) are other invasive plant species, contact food and cover for wildlife but are native warm season grasses which the Virginia Native Plant Society or not invasive to natural landscapes. provide food and cover for wildlife the Virginia Department of Conser- Roundheaded bushclover (Lespe- such as quail, rabbit and songbirds. vation and Recreation at the ad- deza capitata) and partridge pea More information on native dresses below. (Cassia fasciculata) are two native warm season grasses recommended Illustration from New Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora of the Northeast U.S. and Adjacent Canada, by species which enrich the soil with for wildlife can be obtained from the H.H. Gleason, New York Botanical Gardens Scientific nitrogen as well as provide forage Virginia Department of Game and Publications. Used with permission. For more information, contact the Department of Conservation and Recreation or the Virginia Native Plant Society. Virginia Native Plant Society P.O. Box 844, Annandale, VA 22030 203 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 786-7951 http://www.state.va.us/~dcr/vaher.html.