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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>In Lancaster County (PA) Central Park a series of native wildflower meadows were planted some years ago with seed collected from the county. In one meadow apparently <i>Lespedeza cuneata</i> (Chinese bushclover) was included in the seed mix when seed was collectedalong the Susquehanna River, probably at Lock 12, near Holtwood Bridge on PA372.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One meadow has a large patch (maybe 100x200 ft.?) of <i>Lespedeza cuneata</i> growing vigorously among other plants. There is some spread by mowing along the edge of the meadow, and it has been found in two of the other meadows at some distance from the main infestation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ideally it would be controlled by cutting with brush blade in August before seeds mature followed by treatment of the cut stem. Brushing stem with glyphosate concentrate in early June when the stems are easily found also is effective.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, volunteers are not allowed to use power tools or herbicide. The park wishes to mow the meadows for woody plant control in the fall, a time that works into their schedule and the ground may not be too wet. (Others recommend cutting at the beginning of April to minimize damage to overwintering butterflies.)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mowing will rapidly spread the <i>Lespedeza cuneata</i>, which will seriously degrade the meadows. Also it will favor wider spread, e.g., downstream via the nearby Mill Creek (a small river).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Could anyone with experience with <i>Lespedeza cuneata</i> comment on its invasiveness? I see from EDDMapS that there are a lot of reports of it in New Jersey, so someone must be worried about it there.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>John Ambler<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lancaster, PA<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>