Sericea Lespedeza

Description — Sericea Lespedeza is a perennial with erect stems up to 5’ tall and small hairs laying flat along the ridges on the stem. The leaves, with 3 leaflets, are less than 1” to 1 1/2” long and a 1/4” to 1/2” wide with larger leaflets on the lower portion of the stem. The leaves are flattened on the outer end with small flat hairs on the lower surface. Flowering occurs from mid or late July to October and may be tinged with purple but always dry to yellow. The tannin content of the plant also increases during the growing season making it unpalatable to livestock.

Adaptation — Sericea Lespedeza is found primarily in native rangeland, waste areas, CRP and roadsides. Sericea Lespedeza is found throughout Lyon County but has its largest infestations south of Olpe. With other infestations of significant size found around Reading and Americus.

Management options

1. Prevention —Inspect all pastures and rangeland in July, August and September. Early detection of the presence of Sericea Lespedeza is essential to economical control.

2. Cultural Control — Sericea Lespedeza is found primarily in native rangeland, waste areas, CRP and roadsides. Sericea Lespedeza is found throughout Lyon County but has its largest infestations south of Olpe. With other infestations of significant size found around Reading and Americus.

3. Recommended Treatments:

Escort (Metsulfuron) .5 oz/acre Fall treatment

Remedy (Triclopyr) 1 pint/acre Spring treatment

Goats: 6-8 goates/acre first year, 4-6 goats/acre second year, 2-4 goats/acre third year

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