Sericea Lespedeza
Lespedeza cuneata
(Click on image to enlarge.)
(Click on image to enlarge.)
| Sericea Lespedeza is also known as Chinese bushclover and as Chinese lespedeza. It is a member of the pea family. Close examination will reveal that each leaf has three leaflets, which along with the large banner petal, are characteristic of the pea family. Sericea Lespedeza is a native of Asia which was introduced to the United States as a forage resource. Today it is an invasive weed of roadsides and disturbed areas. These plants were photographed near Old Citronelle Road, in North Mobile County, in late September. |