Managing Invasive Plants on Your Land: Identifying and Controlling Sericea Lespedeza & Japanese Stiltgrass

VIDEO SUMMARY

Understanding the Threat of Invasive Plants

Invasive plants are one of the most overlooked challenges in land and wildlife management. They may seem harmless at first glance, but these aggressive species quickly spread, choking out native vegetation and reducing the quality of wildlife habitat. The more time you spend on your property, the more you begin to notice them—and the more important it becomes to take action.

Two of the most common and troublesome invasive species across the Southeast are Sericea lespedeza and Japanese stiltgrass (Japan grass). Both are hardy, fast-spreading plants that thrive in disturbed or shaded areas, making them difficult to manage without the right approach.

How to Identify Sericea Lespedeza

Sericea lespedeza is a perennial legume that often invades open fields, fire lanes, and pastures. It forms dense stands that crowd out beneficial forbs and grasses—plants that deer, turkey, and other wildlife depend on for food and cover.

If you spot Sericea lespedeza on your property, don’t ignore it. Early detection and control are critical to prevent it from spreading. Fortunately, Roundup (glyphosate) can easily kill it when applied correctly. Spot-spraying smaller patches or using a calibrated spray rig for larger infestations can help keep it under control.

Managing Japanese Stiltgrass (Japan Grass)

Another common invader, Japanese stiltgrass, prefers shady, moist areas—especially along roads, firebreaks, and woodland edges. While it may look like a harmless ground cover, it provides no real wildlife benefit and can form thick mats that smother native plants.

To control it, you can use Roundup for broad applications or Clethodim, a grass-specific herbicide, if you want to avoid harming desirable vegetation nearby. For longer-term control, Plateau (Imazapic) offers residual soil activity that helps prevent regrowth and seed germination.

Effective Control Methods

Whether you’re treating a small patch with a backpack sprayer or managing several acres with a tractor-mounted spray rig, calibration and consistency are key. Always follow label directions, spray under favorable weather conditions, and monitor treated areas for re-emergence.

Land Management Tip:
If you don’t have good native plants growing, something undesirable will fill the gap. Managing invasive plants helps ensure your land supports healthy soils, native vegetation, and thriving wildlife.

Why Invasive Plant Control Matters

Ignoring invasive plants doesn’t just make your property look worse—it impacts soil health, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat quality. By controlling these species, you’re not only improving your land’s productivity but also contributing to better conservation practices across Mississippi and the Southeast.

Partner with SWAPA Land

At SWAPA Land, we help landowners manage and improve their properties by focusing on what matters most: Soil, Water, Air, Plants, and Animals. Whether you’re interested in improving wildlife habitat, restoring native vegetation, or buying and selling land, our team can help guide you every step of the way.