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Lespedeza cuneata
An upright semi-woody forb reaching 3 to 6 ft. (0.9-1.8 m) in height with one to many slender stems. Leaves are thin, alternate, abundant and three-parted. Leaflets have wedge-shaped bases and are 0.5-1 in. (1.3-2.5 cm) long and hairy. Flowering occurs from mid-summer to fall, when small, creamy-white flowers with purple throats develop in clusters of 2 to 4. Extremely aggressive invader of open areas and out competes native vegetation. Once established,this invasive is very difficult to remove due to the seed bank which may remain viable for decades. Native to Asia and introduced into the United States in the late 1800s, it has been widely planted for erosion control, mine reclamation and wildlife habitat.
Spotted in an open & previously cleared/disturbed lot between industrial complex and uncultivated wetlands/drainage area.
Listed as invasive: http://www.gainvasives.org/subject.cfm?s...
Spotted on Aug 30, 2013
Submitted on Oct 25, 2013
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