Sericea Lespedeza
Common Name: Sericea Lespedeza
Other Names: Sericea, Chinese Bush Clover, Chinese Lespedeza
Species Name: Lespedeza cuneata
Plant Type: Legume
Family Name: Fabaceae, Pea Family
Examples of Sericea Lespedeza Lespedeza cuneata
| Plant Facts | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Eastern Asia and Australia |
| Duration | Perennial |
| Distribution in the U.S. | Eastern half from Eastern Nebraska, Kansas and Texas |
| Distribution in Oklahoma | Throughout the state |
ID Characteristics
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Field Identification Characteristics
Vegetative
- Long stems; woody when mature
- Branching at base, bush-like compared to L. capitata or L. virginica
- Numerous small leaves, 3 leaflets per leaf
- Leaf veins appear to be linear and continue all the way to leaf edges
Floral
- Flowers tucked among leaves; white or cream in color
-
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
- Leaf Type: Compound, 1-pinnately
- Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
- Leaf Shape: Cuneate
- Stipules: Present
-
Floral Characteristics
- Petal Number: 5, fused
- Flower Color: White or yellow-cream with purple throats
- Flower Timing: July-October
- Fruit Type: Legumes
| Habitat/Ecology | |
|---|---|
| Soil Type | Clay and silt loams |
| Habitat | Open woods, old fields and along roads in other disturbed areas |
| Successional Stage | Early, but invades all stages |