How can I control lespedeza in Oklahoma?

By Grant Woods,

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← Grant's AnswersHabitat Management
Question
I have 240 acres in Oklahoma. Mostly oak trees but 50 acres of it is riparian. I burned 100 acres of it this year (on accident) and now most of my good meadow land is covered in Lespedeza (Chinese bush clover?). What should I do?

Abel,

Sericea Lespedeza is a long-lived perennial plant that’s tough to control.  Deer and other wildlife species don’t consume sericea lespedeza forage.  It’s truly a noxious weed.  

There’s a great explanation of this plant and the control options at:  http://www.okrangelandswest.okstate.edu/files/invasive%20species%20pdfs/NREM-2874.pdf

It’s a lot of work to control sericea lespedeza. However, if it’s not controlled it will continue to spread.

Enjoy creation,

grant