Knowledgebase

Lespedeza cuneata aka sericea lespedeza #879871

Asked August 02, 2024, 10:45 AM EDT

I'm pretty sure I have an infestation - and above my septic mound to boot! I was thinking of fire now, herbicide, then mowing, then herbicide, then rinse and repeat as necessary. Is there a government agency that would help eradicate? This is a scourge! Let me know if you need additional photos to ID, but it doesn't look like other L. spp. that I've looked up. Also, the roots are monstrous, some longer than 1.5'.

St. Mary's County Maryland

Expert Response

We agree that this looks like Lespedeza, though we can't ID it to species level from the traits pictured. Based on its general abundance as an invasive plant, though, cuneata is a good bet.

We do not have experience managing this species locally with a controlled burn, though other agencies have information online that might be of use (including regarding burning vs. herbicide), such as: You would need to check with local government about the legality of burning and under what conditions it may be permissible. We are not aware of any agency that helps to fund or provide labor for the eradication of this or other invasive species.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 02, 2024, 7:18 PM EDT

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