NPSpecies

Data Source: NatureServe Voucher 2001-2002

Native of China; Data Source: http://plants.usda.gov, 10 August 2007 Legacy NPSpecies information may no longer be applicable, please remove if it is not applicable. In legacy NPSpecies Weedy value was Yes with comment: Disturbed areas, common (Weakley 2007) In legacy NPSpecies Pest value was Yes with comment: Natureserve I-Rank: Medium. I-Rank Reasons Summary: Lespedeza cuneata may alter ecosystem processes by reducing water availability (Vermeire et al. 1998). It alters community structure and composition by forming a dense monotypic herb layer that reduces plant and invertebrate diversity (Tu et al. 2002; Miller 2003; Coladonato 1992; Vermeire et al. 1998). Allelopathic (Vermeire et al. 1998), it can also supress forest regeneration (Coladonato 1992). L. cuneata is found in half the continental US and Hawaii (Kartesz and Meacham 1999). Expanding within the western edge of its range (Olenbusch 2001), it is spread by seed in wildlife plantings and accidental introduction into native seed mixes (Olenbusch 2001). It also spreads vegetatively, and benefits from disturbance, including fire (Tu et al. 2002). Seed bank may be viable for up to twenty years (Olenbusch 2001). Once established, the possibility for eradication is very low, requiring more than five years of management (Tu et al. 2002; Coladonato 1992; Vermeire et al. 1998).

Park Species Data Source: Newberry 2001; White 2004