Prairie invasive plant - Ask Extension
Hello,
I have been tending to a 3 acre prairie restoration of my own outside and have been inundated with a particular broadleaf plant that is takin...
Knowledgebase
Prairie invasive plant #881124
Asked August 12, 2024, 10:27 AM EDT
Hello,
I have been tending to a 3 acre prairie restoration of my own outside and have been inundated with a particular broadleaf plant that is taking over. Would you be able to help me positively identify it and offer suggestions for control/eradication of it?
Thank you very, very much.
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
This appears to be Chinese bush clover. I'm including a link with information on controlling it. It can be controlled with careful management but may take several years.
https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=194&cname=Chinese+lespedeza#:~:text=Monitoring%20and%20rapid%20response%3A%20Mow,herbicides%20such%20as%20triclopyr%2C%20glyphosate%2C
https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=194&cname=Chinese+lespedeza#:~:text=Monitoring%20and%20rapid%20response%3A%20Mow,herbicides%20such%20as%20triclopyr%2C%20glyphosate%2C
Thank you very much!!!
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Monday, August 12, 2024 10:36 AM
To: clwinans <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Prairie invasive plant (#0151042)
One other piece of information, this plant has been displacing lawn type grass adjacent to the prairie and is mowed to within 3 inches all summer long, yet still persist.
I have been mowing it to this length for no less than 3 years. Do you think this plant (Chinese lespedeza) will persist at these heights as a perenial?
Thank you!!
It's possible that the existing plants could persist for several years but mowing will keep it from spreading further. The plants that persist, even though they are being mown, may need to be spot treated or removed by hand.
