Sericea Lespedeza Damage
Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), also known as Chinese Bush Clover, is an invasive nitrogen-fixing legume that produces many seeds that remain viable in the soil for more than two decades. It is also allelopathic, releasing compounds into the soil that harm other plants. It establishes in disturbed areas and crowds out native plant species.
History of Sericea Lespedeza
Sericea lespedeza was introduced from Asia in the 1800s, originally to the southeast U.S. Land managers planted it for erosion control, forage, and reclamation of degraded land. It has since spread north and west. Sericea is very difficult to control. The plant is not palatable to grazers when it is mature due to high tannin content and it also responds positively to fire.
Regulation of Sericea Lespedeza
Sericea lespedeza is not regulated as an invasive species or a noxious weed in Illinois. It is regulated by many other states.