ITP Logo

Lespedeza cuneata

Species category

Agricultural

Common name

sericea lespedeza

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

OvalOval:
Broadly elliptic.

Size

  • Length 2 mm
  • Width 1 mm
  • Thickness 0.5 mm

Color

Seed is green and flecked with purple. PodPod:
A dehiscent fruit produced by leguminous plants (beans, peas). Also known as a legume.
 is dark reddish.

Texture

Seed is smooth. PodPod:
A dehiscent fruit produced by leguminous plants (beans, peas). Also known as a legume.
 and calyx has appressedAppressed:
Pressed close or lying flat against something.
 hairs.

Other structures

Calyx slit to the base is narrow and pointed.

Identification notes

The long pointed calyx and the green seed flecked with purple are good identification characteristics.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma

AOSA examination list

Included

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don

Synonyms

Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don var. serpens (Nakai) Ohwi 
Lespedeza juncea (L. f.) Pers. var. sericea Maxim.
Lespedeza latissima (Matsum.) Nakai 
Lespedeza sericea Miq., nom. illeg.
Lespedeza serpens Nakai

Lespedeza cuneata. Seed pods and calyces have appressed hairs; green seeds are flecked with purple. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Lespedeza cuneata. Seed pods and calyces have appressed hairs; green seeds are flecked with purple. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.