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Weed Description: A perennial with erect stems that may reach 5 feet in height. Sericea lespedeza is often a weed of pastures, hay fields, roadsides, and abandoned fields. It is found throughout the southeastern United States. |
Sericea Lespedeza: Lespedeza cuneata
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Weed Description: A perennial with erect stems that may reach 5 feet in height. Sericea lespedeza is often a weed of pastures, hay fields, roadsides, and abandoned fields. It is found throughout the southeastern United States. |
| Leaves: Leaves are arranged
alternately along the stem and are divided into 3 smaller leaflets. Individual
leaflets range from 1/2 to 3/4 inches long, and have many short hairs on both surfaces.
Leaflets are also oblong to linear in outline, and have a grayish cast. Stems: Become somewhat woody with age and have stiff bristles. |
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Flowers: Emerge from the position between the stem and leaves (leaf axils) in the middle to upper portions of the plant. Flowers occur either singly or in clusters of 2 to 4. Individual flowers are white with violet or purple markings. |
| Identifying Characteristics: The alternately arranged leaves that are divided into 3 smaller leaflets and erect stems with stiff hairs are all characteristics that help in the identification of sericea lespedeza. |  |