Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Shrubby Lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Fabales>Fabaceae>Lespedeza bicolor Turcz.

Shrubby Lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor)

An invasive exotic shrub from eastern Asia, still recklessly planted for "wildlife habitat" though native alternatives work just as well and cause much less damage to the ecosystem. Less common than the semi-woody Chinese or Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), which is abundant noxious weed that is still often planted along roadsides for erosion control and for the supposed benefit of wildlife. Some native species of insects, such as the Eastern Tailed-Blue and Gray Hairstreak butterflies, are beginning to adapt to use these pest plants and may one day help keep them under control.

Shrubby Lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor)

Ripening legumes.

Scotland Co., NC 10/4/2009.

Shrubby Lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor)

Scotland Co., NC 10/4/2009.

Shrubby Lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor)

Bark detail.

Scotland Co., NC 10/4/2009.

More information:
Southwest Virginia Flora
Exotic Pest Plants of Southeastern Forests
PCA Alien Plant Working Group (L. cuneata)

Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides