By Tamara Browning
Correspondent
The existence of a new problem weed -- Sericea lespedeza -- found on G28 and private property in Muscatine County were among findings of the 2024 Weed Commissioner’s Report presented to the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors.
The board approved the report that contained the information on Sericea lespedeza during the board’s regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 21.
The report, submitted by Muscatine County Weed Commissioner Matt Shutt, is required for each weed commissioner. The report is to be submitted to the board of supervisors before Nov. 1 each year and includes the name and location of primary noxious weeds and new weeds that appear to be serious pests. The report also must contain a statement of treatment used, plans for eradication of weeds, costs and results. The summary of the weed situation is to include suggestions and recommendations.
Sericea lespedeza and honeysuckle were listed in the report as plants that are a problem or concern in the county. Sericea lespedeza is listed as a noxious weed in other states but not in Iowa.
“I believe it’s not considered a noxious weed in Iowa, but I believe in other states it is. Pretty darn invasive,” County Engineer Bryan Horesowsky said.
A perennial, Sericea lespedeza was introduced for forage and for soil reclamation in the southern United States, according to the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach website. The plant is also called “Chinese lespedeza” and “Chinese bush clover.”
Board member Scott Sauer said Sericea lespedeza was found in three different areas on one of his farms.
“I got a project going on one of my farms, and I had the USDA out there looking at several things, and the individual that was with me saw that, and he said to me, he said, ‘You’ve got to get a handle on that,’” Sauer said. “He said, ‘There’s a little bit of that that’s coming into the county now,’ and he said, ‘It is bad news.’”
Sauer sprayed Remedy herbicide to kill the Sericea lespedeza.
“If you had a patch of that stuff that was any size at all, you’d be hard pressed to even walk through it,” Sauer said.
The 2024 Weed Commissioner’s Report said that for the most part, the county noxious weeds have improved. Noxious weeds found to be a problem in the county were Canada Thistle, Musk Thistle, Teasel and Japanese Knotweed. The county spent $6,127.05 to purchase herbicides in the past year.
“Continuation of mowing and spraying, to control the weeds will be needed, also observation of new areas that develop, so control can be used in a timely manner,” the report said.
In other action, the board:
Approved the appointment of Laura Curtis Kramer to the Muscatine County Zoning Commission for a five-year term ending Nov. 7, 2029.
Approved the appointment of Chris Brase to fill a vacancy on the Muscatine County Historic Preservation Commission for a term ending Jan. 1, 2026.