Sericea Lespedeza Control Program
DESCRIPTION
Perennial, stems erect, to 5 ft. tall, appressed hairy only along the ridges on the stem, leaves with 3 leaflets, leaflets less than 1 in. long and less than ¼ in. wide, wedge shaped (cunate), flowers few (1-4) in the axils of the leaves from mid or late July to October, petals yellowish or tinged with purple, about ¼ in long, fruit (pod) about 1/8 in. long, roundish with pointed ends in outline, flattened.
PREVENTION OF SPREAD
Sericea lespedeza spreads primarily by seeds. The method of seed dispersal is probably by animals. Persons planting mixtures of seeds for erosion control and wildlife habitat should ensure sericea lespedeza is not included in the mix.
CONTROL PRACTICES
Control of sericea lespedeza shall mean preventing production of viable seeds.
CULTURAL CONTROL PRACTICES
Rangeland - Prescribed burning& at the proper time (late spring) followed by intensive early stocking (double stock until July 15 and then remove cattle) may reduce the occurrence of sericea lespedeza. Mature cattle grazing early in the season are more apt to utilize sericea lespedeza.
Tame pastures - Proper fertilization and grazing during April and May may reduce the occurrence. Late grazing or no grazing will increase sericea lespedeza.
Grazing infested areas with sheep and goats will provide effective control of sericea lespedeza.
Mowing in the late bud stage for 2 to 3 consecutive years from mid-July to late summer should reduce the vigor of the stand.
HERBICIDES APPROVED FOR CONTROLLING SERICEA LESPEDEZA
Follow label directions and precautions with all chemicals.
Pasture and Rangeland
Crossbow (Triclopyr + 2-4-D). Apply at 1.5 to 2.0 quarts per acre in the late summer while the plants are in flower.
Escort (Metsulfuron methyl). Use 1/3 to ½ ounce per acre in the bud stage.
Remedy + 2-4-D (Triclopyr, Triclopyr + 2-4-D). Apply Remedy alone or in combination with 2-4-D. The addition of 2-4-D is strongly suggested, especially when lower rates of solution are used. Apply with a minimum of 20 gallons of solution per acre.
Non-cropland
Garlon 4 (Triclopyr). Apply at 1 to 2 pints per acre during the late summer while the plants are in flower.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL PRACTICES
There are no biological controls approved for sericea lespedeza at this time. Adopted by Board action dated July 28, 1992.
