Originally imported from Asia as forage food, Lespedeza is a flowering weed can put a choke-hold on your lawn. Its thick growth prevents soil erosion, but its tannin content actually makes it an unpalatable cattle feed. Lespedeza thrives in a variety of environments like wooded areas, meadows, along roadsides, and around bodies of water.
Lespedeza spreads by seed when birds and other animals feed on the grass. Established weeds spring up in mid April from root crown buds left over from last year's plants. Although it is mostly found on the in the New England and Midwest areas, it can even be found thriving in Texas.
Control an infestation by mowing frequently in mid to late summer as the plants begin to seed. Additionally, apply a Roundup® Brand Weed & Grass Killer directly to your problem areas. Do not spray the product on your turf, as it will cause damage.
Woody stems stand 3 to 6 feet tall and contain many tiny, yellowish-green leaves. Its flowers, which bloom from July until October, are a creamy yellow color with pink and purple markings. Not only are they drought resistant plants, but they can form thick growth on steep, eroding slopes. Around 40 species of this shrub-like weed inhabit the US today.
