sericea lespedeza
Family
FabaceaeScientific Name
Lespedeza cuneata
Other Common Names:
Chinese lespedeza
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Lespedeza sericea
Lespedeza latissima
Lespedeza serpens
Lespedeza juncea var. sericea
Lespedeza cuneata var. serpens
Leaves
Leaves: Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are divided into 3 smaller leaflets. Individual leaflets range from 1/2 to 3/4 inches long, and have many short hairs on both surfaces. Leaflets are also oblong to linear in outline, and have a grayish cast. Stems: Become somewhat woody with age and have stiff bristles.
Identifying Characteristics
A perennial with erect stems that may reach 5 feet in height. Sericea lespedeza is often a weed of pastures, hay fields, roadsides, and abandoned fields. The alternately arranged leaves that are divided into 3 smaller leaflets and erect stems with stiff hairs are all characteristics that help in the identification of sericea lespedeza.
Flower Seed Head
Emerge from the position between the stem and leaves (leaf axils) in the middle to upper portions of the plant. Flowers occur either singly or in clusters of 2 to 4. Individual flowers are white with violet or purple markings.
Where Found
It is found throughout the southeastern United States.
Growth Habit
woody bush or tree
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
yellow,
purple
Flower Symmetry
bilateral symmetry
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
lance,
oval
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
trifoliate
Leaf Stalk
none
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
taproot
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb