Leucaena leucocephala

Lead tree

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Introduction

Mexico and Central America is the native range of lead tree, or Leucaena leucocephala. Lead tree was most likely distributed by man because of its many uses. This multipurpose tree is used for fuel wood, lumber, animal fodder, and green manure. Ornamental uses include windbreaks, shade trees, and erosion control.  Lead tree may have been introduced into Florida for cattle fodder and controlling erosion. Found in Southern Florida, including the Florida Keys, lead tree can be seen along roadsides and hammock margins in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Lead tree is a Category II invasive species.

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Description

Lead tree is a shrub or small tree growing up to 16 feet in height with bipinnate leaves to 10 inches long. There are approximately 12 pairs of lanceolate shaped leaflets each about 9-12 mm long, 2-3.5 mm wide. These are oppositely arranged. Flowers grow clustered on the end of branches. Individual flowers are white, turning brown with maturity. Lead tree is a prolific seed producer. The dark brown seed pods are flat, roughly 4 to 6 inches long, with about 20 seeds. Seeds are glossy brown, oval, flat, 6 mm long.

The seeds are dispersed by birds and rodents. Seed may also be spread via cattle manure. Lead tree also produces multiple new shoots when cut back.  Seed germination and vegetative regeneration from basal shoots will also occur following a fire.

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Impacts

In Florida lantana can grow in a variety of areas including forests, roadsides, pastures, and citrus groves.  It thrives in shaded or sunny, moist or dry locations.  Lantana continues to be sold as an ornamental plant in garden centers and nurseries throughout the U.S. Through wide cultivation and establishment in the landscape, lantana is able to spread and survive by escaping from home landscapes.

In Florida citrus groves lantana is a serious economic weed pest. Propagation, reduction of manual weeding, herbicide tolerance, and reduced competition from other weedy species has allowed lantana to proliferate and spread successfully. It also decreases productivity in pastures and is toxic to cattle and other animals when grazed.

Lantana invades disturbed natural ecosystems by establishing in creek banks and roadsides. Native species establishment is inhibited by the dense understory created by lantana. In the homeowner setting, there are reports of children being poisoned by consuming unripened fruit.  It is also thought that lantana produces allelopathic substances in shoots and roots which inhibits the growth and development of plants near lantana.

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Management

Preventative:

The first step in preventative control of lead tree is to limit planting and removal of existing plants within the landscape. If possible, removal should occur before seeds are produced.

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Cultural:

Inform the public to refrain from purchasing, propagating, or planting lead tree due to its invasive tendencies.  If used as a forage, grazing should be managed to prevent flowering and seed formation.

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Mechanical:

There are no known mechanical controls for lead tree. Continuous cutting will eventually kill larger trees.  Frequent mowing or grazing will kill smaller plants. 

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Biological:

An insect known as ‘jumping lice’, or the leucaena psyllid (Heteropsylla cubana), will damage plants but does not eliminate established plants.  Goats will provide a large level of control if allowed to continuously graze.

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Chemical:  

Lead tree is sensitive to foliar-applied triclopyr.  Triclopyr ester applied basal bark and stump bark is effective, while 2,4-D in combination with diesel fuel is effective for basal bark treatments.

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Helpful Notes:

Surfactant – 0.25% is the standard rate for all foliar herbicide applications, 2 teaspoons per gallon.

Dry time – generally 4-6 hours is adequate, but the longer the better for glyphosate

Pay particular attention to herbicide labels near wetlands or bodies of water.

The use of trade names in these publications is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication does not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition. All chemicals should be used in accordance with directions on the manufacturer's label.

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References and Useful Links:

Floridata Homepage

University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants

University of Florida’s Cooperative Extension Electronic Data Information Source

Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks. 1998. Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp.

The Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group. Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas

Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). Plant Threats to Pacific Ecosystems

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plants Database.

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