Sericea lespedeza is a hugely invasive plant that will degrade any habitat that it grows in. It has the ability to outcompete even tough old fescue and will given time, create a pure monoculture of sericea.
I would have to search the literature again but i recall a study discussed at a technical meetinfg where quail were fed sericea in a mix with other food sources and the quail refused to eat it and when it was the only thing fed they consumed almost none. Deer do not brouse the plants after they develop the high tannins and become unpalatable...cattle wont eat it then either. That is why it is such a problem when it escaped into native prarie in Kansas and into the fescue range lands in Missouri.
I started spraying sericea this week for my clients and will continue probably for a month. It is not that hard to kill and manage but it is not a one tiome shot deal and takes a committment.
The highest control will come from spraying on a three year program where you spray in year one and year three and NOT in year two. This seems to give the highest % control measured in year 5. Even then, you will need to spot spray and maintain a war stance on sericea.
Serecea was once thought to be a grassland and open area plant only. But the literature and new data will say that the plant adapts well to woodlands and there is the big threat. It will outcompete many brouse and seeedd producers in edge habitat and that is critical for birds (turkeys, quail, pheasant-game, and every songbird)
It loves hot dry weather so when the good stuff is stressed and going drought dormant, sericea takes off like crazy.
Bottom line is if you have it in a habitat or grazing environment, get rid of it early when its easy to control and lower cost. Its a pay me now or pay me later game on this plant.
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Weed Management Provider
Habitat Consulting
Western Missouri
Self Employed
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Sericia Lespedeza
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