Colin Wilson, www.issg.org

Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Synonym(s):

Duration: Perennial

Habit: Tree

Listed by:
Invasive Plant Atlas of the US: 1
Federal Noxious Weed: 0
TDA Noxious Weed: 0
TPWD Prohibited Exotic Species: 0

Description: Lead tree is fast growing, reaching 25 - 50 feet in height and 20 inches in diameter, living 20 - 40 years, but can exist as a shrub or small tree. Leaves are bi-pinnately compound and are up to 10 inches long, and have 11 - 17 pairs of leaflets. Leaflets are small and exist opposite each other. Flowers are white and occur in 0.5 - 1 inch diameter heads with peduncles (stems of flowers) 2 - 2.5 inches long. Seeds occur in clusters of 5 - 20 pods (4 - 6 inches long) per flower head and contain 8 - 18 seeds per pod.

History: Introduced first to Hawaii in 1864 and soon afterwards to the mainland United States in Florida and Texas as a high protein cattle fodder and for land reclamation and erosion control. Its wood is used for firewood and lumber. Given its origins in Mexico and Central America, this species is considered by some to be native to Texas. Wide distribution of this species by humans has obscured the true extent of its native range.

Biology & Spread: A prolific seed producer that is self-fertile and readily grows from seeds dispersed by rodents, birds, and cattle. Will flower and seed throughout the year if moisture is available. Vigorously regrows after fire, from cut stumps, as well as cuttings.

Ecological Threat: Lead tree forms dense monospecific thickets when not heavily grazed or controlled. It threatens native plant communities, and leaves large areas of land unusable. Easily escapes cultivation and is difficult to eradicate once established.

US Habitat: Favors alkaline and limestone soils. Does best in wet conditions but is resistant to drought once established. River banks, cultivated areas, and pastures are prone to invasion. Requires warm temperatures; little resistance for cold.

Distribution

US Nativity: Introduced to U.S.

Native Origin: Native to Central and South America

US States: AZ, CA, FL, TX

Resembles/Alternatives: Red mulberry (Morus rubra)
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis var. canadensis)
American holly (Ilex opaca)

Management: Small individual plants may be manually removed, taking care to remove the roots. Controlled grazing before it grows out of cattles? reach controls it. On larger specimens or infestations, this option will probably not be feasible.

USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.

Listing Source

Texas Department ofAgriculture Noxious Plant List
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Prohibited Exotic Species
Invaders Program
Federal Noxious Weed
Union of Concerned Scientists
United States Forest Service Southern Research Station

Text References

The Quiet Invasion: A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area. Lisa Gonzalez and Jeff DallaRosa. Houston Advanced Research Center, 2006.

Data Source

Last Updated: 2024-02-08 by ARMO, TISI