What Lespedeza Looks Like
Lespedeza grows low to the ground with thin, wiry stems that spread outward through the turf. It has small leaflets that can look similar to clover, but the plant usually has a tougher, more woody or wiry appearance. Small pink to purple flowers may appear during the summer.
Why It Spreads
Lespedeza thrives in hot, dry, thin, low-fertility, or stressed lawns. It spreads by seed and can fill open areas where desirable grass is weak. Lawns that are mowed too low, under-fertilized, drought-stressed, or thin are more likely to develop lespedeza problems.
How to Prevent It
The best prevention is maintaining a thick, healthy lawn with proper mowing, fertilization, watering, and lawn repair where needed. Since lespedeza is a summer annual broadleaf weed, reducing bare soil and improving turf density are key. A labeled pre-emergent may help in some situations, but good turf health is the main long-term defense.
Best timing: Spring through early summer, before summer weed pressure builds, with ongoing lawn thickening during the growing season.
How to Control It
Lespedeza is usually controlled with a selective broadleaf weed control product labeled for lespedeza and for your specific lawn type. Treat when plants are young and actively growing for the best results. Mature, wiry patches can be more difficult to control and may require more than one labeled application. Always read and follow the product label.
Best timing: Late spring through summer when lespedeza is young and actively growing.
Recommended Solution
Step 1: Confirm the weed is lespedeza by looking for low, wiry, clover-like growth and small pink to purple flowers in summer.
Step 2: Check your lawn type before choosing any weed control product.
Step 3: Use a selective broadleaf weed control product labeled for lespedeza and your specific turfgrass.
Step 4: Apply when lespedeza is young, actively growing, and the lawn is not under heat, drought, or disease stress.
Step 5: Recheck the area after treatment. Mature patches may need a second labeled application.
Step 6: Improve weak lawn areas with proper mowing height, fertilization, watering, and repair to reduce future growth.
