How to Kill Common Lespedeza (Japanese Clover) in Tall Fescue Without Hurting Your Lawn
Direct Agronomic Answer
To selectively kill Common Lespedeza (Japanese Clover) in Tall Fescue without damaging your turf, apply SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer (2,4-D 28.57%, Mecoprop-p 5.88%, Dicamba 1.71%, Carfentrazone-ethyl 0.62%), TZone SE (Triclopyr 7.72%, 2,4-D 29.36%, Dicamba 2.22%, Sulfentrazone 0.66%) when air temperatures are between 50°F and 85°F.
Lespedeza develops woody stems in mid-summer that resist 2,4-D. Metsulfuron or Triclopyr effectively overcomes the woody barrier.
1. Labeled Safe Herbicides That Kill Common Lespedeza (Japanese Clover) in Tall Fescue
| Recommended Product | Active Ingredient & Group | Application Temp (°F) | Surfactant & Mixing Protocol | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer EPA Reg. 2217-833 |
2,4-D 28.57%, Mecoprop-p 5.88%, Dicamba 1.71%, Carfentrazone-ethyl 0.62% Group 4 + Group 14 (Synthetic Auxins + PPO Inhibitor) |
50°F – 85°F Rainfast: 3h |
Do NOT add surfactant. Adding NIS or MSO increases ester volatility and causes severe contact burn on desirable cool-season turf. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| TZone SE EPA Reg. 2217-920 |
Triclopyr 7.72%, 2,4-D 29.36%, Dicamba 2.22%, Sulfentrazone 0.66% Group 4 + Group 14 (Pyridine Auxin + Phenoxy + PPO Inhibitor) |
50°F – 80°F Rainfast: 3h |
Do NOT mix with surfactant when temperatures exceed 75°F. In cool spring or fall conditions (55°F–70°F), 0.5 tsp NIS per gallon improves waxy leaf penetration on Wild Violet. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
2. What NOT to Spray on Tall Fescue When Treating Common Lespedeza (Japanese Clover)
Warning: Common Common Lespedeza (Japanese Clover) Killers That Damage Tall Fescue
Many retail herbicides advertised for Common Lespedeza (Japanese Clover) are formulated for different turf zones and will severely injure Tall Fescue:
- AVOID Celsius WG (Thiencarbazone-methyl 8.7%, Iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium 1.9%, Dicamba 57.4%): Rated 'avoid' on Tall Fescue — high risk of turf phytotoxicity or stunting.
- AVOID Hi-Yield Atrazine Weed Killer (Atrazine 40.8%): Rated 'avoid' on Tall Fescue — high risk of turf phytotoxicity or stunting.
3. Optimal Seasonal Timing & Temperature Thresholds
Spray in early summer when plants are young and herbaceous before woody stem hardening.
Maintain adequate soil phosphorus and nitrogen to promote dense turf canopy cover.
4. Diagnostic Checklist: Confirm It Is Common Lespedeza (Japanese Clover) Before Spraying
- Trifoliate leaves with prominent parallel veins that look feather-like (pinnate)
- Dark green prostrate wiry stems that become tough and woody by late summer
- Tiny pink to purple flowers blooming in leaf axils from August to October
Not 100% sure? Use our AI Photo Weed Scanner or review the full Common Lespedeza (Japanese Clover) Botanical Profile.