Species Description
Remaley (1997) states that L. cuneata is a warm season, perennial herb of the pea family (Fabaceae). It has an erect growth form, ranging from about 1 - 1.5m in height, and leaves that alternate along the stem. Each leaf is divided into three smaller leaflets, about 1.2 - 2.5cm long, which are narrowly oblong and pointed, with awl-shaped spines. Leaflets are covered with densely flattened hairs, giving a greyish-green or silvery appearance. Mature stems are somewhat woody and fibrous with sharp, stiff, flattened bristles. Violet to purple flowers emerge either singly or in clusters of 2-4, from the axils of the upper and median leaves.
Stevens (2002) states that L. Cuneata can be distinguished by leaf shape, flower colour, and by its general growth form. It is the only species within the genus Lespedeza with cuneate or wedge-shaped leaf bases. \r\n\r\n\r\nIt has flowers of two types: chasmogamous (petaliferous) flowers or cleistogamous (apetalous) flowers. The chasmogamous flowers are typically cream-white to yellow-white in colour, and the upper-most (banner) petal can have pink- or purple-coloured veins. The calyx is 3 to 4mm long. Chasmogamous flowers grow in clusters of 1 to 4 flowers per leaf axis. Cleistogamous flowers are always self-fertilized (versus cross-fertilized in chasmogamous flowers), typically do not open, and do not have showy petals. Cleistogamous flowers have a calyx 1.5 to 2.0mm long and are generally scattered among the chasmogamous flowers (Pieters 1934, Stitt 1946, Hanson and Cope 1955b, in Stevens, 2002). Stevens (2002) states that the fruits are 3 to 5mm long and are glabrous or with appressed hairs. Seeds are shiny, slightly flattened, ellipsoid to oval, and can be tan, olive, purple, or a mottled brown colour. Seeds from the two flower types can easily be distinguished from each other by their shape and size (McKee and Hyland 1941, Cope 1966a,b,1971, in Stevens, 2002).
Notes
A few crossings occurs among different species of the genus Lespedeza (Pieters 1934, in Stevens, 2002). L. cuneata can produce viable hybrids from crossings with L. latissima, L. inschanica, and L. hedysaroides (Hanson and Cope 1955a, in Stevens, 2002). No viable hybrids, however, have been obtained from crosses between American perennial species and other Asian species, or when perennial Lespedeza species attempt to hybridize with annual Lespedeza species. Hybrids were also not viable when crossing between species with different chromosome numbers (Brinkley et al. 1959, in Stevens, 2002).
Lifecycle Stages
Remaley (1997) states that scarification is necessary for the germination of seeds. Mature seeds of this genus remain viable for up to twenty years; one study found a germination rate of 60% after cold storage for 55 years. Seedlings may represent only 1% of the seeds actually available in the soil. The optimum temperature range for germination is 20° to 30° C (Qiu et al. 1995, in Stevens, 2002). Seedling emergence is reduced 20% with each 3° C reduction in day/night temperatures (Mosjidis 1990, in Stevens, 2002). Stevens (2002) states that the seedling growth is best at 26°/22° C day/night temperatures and at 13 to 15 hour day lengths.
Uses
Stevens (2002) states that it was widely planted in the Southeastern U.S. as early as the 1900s as forage for livestock. Cattle prefer L. cuneata new growth, which have fine, pliable stems and a low tannin content. It provides good forage for goats; it is, however, not good forage for dairy cattle or for hogs (Hawkins 1959, Schmidt et al. 1982, in Stevens, 2002). Stevens (2002) reports that allelopathic compounds in L. cuneata, such as tannins, inhibit the growth of other plants while also making it unpalatable to animals. The leaves are higher in tannin content than the stems, and the upper portions of the plant tend to be higher in tannin content than the lower stems (Minton 1951, in Stevens, 2002). As the plant ages, levels of tannins also increase, and grazers will often cease to feed if other palatable forage is available. It is not an important food for native birds or mammals. Some herbivores will eat L. cuneata, but only early in the season when shoots are tender or when no other food is available. It is sometimes used as cover for wildlife on crop fields bordering woods. Quail, grasshopper sparrows, meadowlarks, and greater prairie chickens have been documented to build nests in this plant, and bobwhite quail consume seeds of L. cuneata (Davison 1945, in Stevens, 2002). Stevens (2002) cites that it is planted for erosion control and soil conservation on roadways, waterways and outlets, dams, field borders, strip mine spoils, and other places that are easily eroded.
Habitat Description
Stevens (2002) reports that L. cuneata is adapted to a wide range of conditions. It is cultivated for pasture, from which it often escapes, and may also be found in grazed woodlands. In its native range in Asia, it grows on exposed ground and grassy lowlands (Ohiwi 1965, in Stevens, 2002). Stevens (2002) states that in North America, it occurs in disturbed habitats such as along roads, ditches, railroad tracks, and other moist, disturbed places. It is often found as a weed in cultivated areas, fallow and abandoned fields, meadows, and marshes. It is adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions, is tolerant of drought, and grows best where annual rainfall is over 76 to 89cm. It prefers winters that are dry and summers that are wet (Guernsey 1970, in Stevens, 2002). Stands of L. cuneata can survive freezing winter temperatures, but are often damaged by late spring freezes (Helm and Etheridge 1933, in Stevens, 2002). It can survive flooding for up to ten days in cool, moving water, but cannot survive prolonged periods submerged in warm water (Guernsey 1970, in Stevens, 2002). It can grow in shallow soils, but grows best in deep soils, such as deep sands with organic matter or sandy loams with clay loam subsoil. It will also grow on strongly acidic to neutral soils, but prefers soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5 (Guernsey 1970, in Stevens, 2002).
Reproduction
Stevens (2002) states that it can reproduce by seed, as well as spread vegetatively, forming dense stands with many upright stems. Remaley (1997) states that it begins growth from root crown buds at the base of last year’s stem. Stevens (2002) cites that a greater number of seeds are generally produced in years with high rainfall and in years when bee populations are high. Day length, amount of light available, and temperature determine the quantity of each type of flower produced, and numbers of seeds produced (McKee and Hyland 1941, Bates 1955, Ohiwi 1965, Donnelly and Paterson 1969, in Stevens, 2002). Stands can live for over 20 years, and regrowth following clipping is from lateral buds (Helm and Etheridge 1933, Hoveland et al. 1975, in Stevens, 2002).
Nutrition
Stevens (2002) states that L. cuneata establishes readily in nutrient poor soils.
Pathway
Remaley (1997) states that the plant was first introduced to the southern United States for soil improvement, livestock forage, and wildlife forage and cover.L. cuneata was introduced to the southeastern United States in the 1800s for forage and for soil conservation measures (Stevens, 2002), such as bank stabilization (Remaley, 1997).Remaley (1997) states that the plant was first introduced to the southern United States for soil improvement, livestock forage, and wildlife forage and cover.
Principal source: Element Stewardship Abstract for Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont-Cours.) G. Don (Stevens, 2002) Chinese lespedeza Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don (Remaley, 1997)
Compiler: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
Review: Dr Terrence G. Bidwell Professor and Extension Specialist Rangeland Ecology and Management Department of Plant and Soil Sciences Oklahoma State University Stillwater. USA
Publication date: 2005-01-24
Recommended citation: Global Invasive Species Database (2024) Species profile: Lespedeza cuneata. Downloaded from http://iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=270 on 22-11-2024.