Chinese bushclover (Lespedeza cuneata) has been detected in Oakland County. This species thrives in extremely disturbed sites and a variety of habitats. It is commonly found in grasslands, fields, and woodlands. Each leaf is comprised of three leaflets which are long, narrow, and a green-gray color. Once the stem matures it becomes woody, has bristles, and can grow up to 6 feet tall. The flowers are white with purple veins and are in clusters of 2 to 4. Unfortunately, the seeds can remain viable for over 20 years in the soil.
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Environmental effects
Since Chinese bushclover is not widely distributed, little information is known about the long-term environmental effects. Although, due to the extensive seed bank this species is hard to get rid of. Additionally, wildlife does not browse on this species due to the unfavorable taste.
Treatments
All treatment methods take dedication and multi-year treatments. There are multiple treatment options for Chinese bushclover. These include both chemical and non-chemical methods.
NON-CHEMICAL CONTROL METHODS
- Hand pulling: small seedlings in moist soil can be uprooted by hand. These should be placed in an area where they will not re-sprout, or in the garbage.
- Mowing: repeatedly mowing the site will only prevent further seed production. This should be done before seeds are produced otherwise mowing could encourage the plants to drop the seeds.
CHEMICAL CONTROL METHODS
- Foliar spraying: herbicide is sprayed directly onto the foliage of the plant. This is the most common method to treat large patches in non-sensitive areas.