All too often this summer I have seen common lespedeza become a frequent occurrence in lawns. Even I have been dealing with a little clump of it in my front yard. I am fortunate only to have a few small clumps that I can hand pull each time I mow the lawn. However, others are not so fortunate. I have noticed places where common lespedeza has been very prevalent in the lawn.
Common lespedeza is a freely-branched summer annual that gets woody late in the summer, thus making it problematic in lawns. Also known as annual lespedeza or Japanese-clover, common lespedeza has three oblong, smooth leaflets with a prominent midvein and parallel veins that are nearly perpendicular to the midvein. It has a single pink to purple flower that is present in the leaf axils this time of the year.
Common Lespedeza with flower Leaflets with prominent midvein an parallel veins
Photo by James Morgan Photo by James Morgan
Control methods such as hand pulling, deep and infrequent irrigation of lawn, core aerifications during times that favors quick recovery, and proper mowing heights, will encourage turf competition to reduce potential infestations. Herbicide application, at the proper time of the year, is also another tool in controlling common lespedeza.
For more information on controlling weeds in the landscape or herbicide recommendation contact your local County Extension Agent at 1 (800) ASK UGA1.