Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Leucaena leucocephala
| USDA Symbol: | LELE10 |
| ITIS TSN: | 26766 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | Mexico and Central America |
Toxic Characteristics
Produces the glucoside, mimosine, which is minimally toxic and may cause hair loss in horses and cattle.Geographic Distribution
Naturalized populations exist in Florida, Texas, California, and Arizona as well as Hawaii. Locally found in Harris and Galveston counties.Introduction Pathways
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.Specific Primary Habitats
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.Identifying Characteristics
Exists as a shrub or small tree. Leaves are bipinnately 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.Reproduction Characteristics
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.Growth Characteristics
Lead tree is fast growing, reaching 25 - 50 feet in height and 20 inches in bole diameter in a period of 20 - 40 years.Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
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.Suggested Control Methods
Applications of full strength Glyphosate or Triclopyr to cut stumps are the most effective against established trees. Saplings can be removed by hand. Seed banks remain viable for 10 - 20 years, which requires long-term control of established populations.General Notes
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.|
Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
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Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Flowers and foliage of the lead tree. Photo courtesy of William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 3948087. |
 Fuel wood planting of the lead tree. Photo courtesy of William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 3948088. |
 Flower, foliage, and fruit of the lead tree. Photo courtesy of Albert Perdeck, Digital Flora of Texas Vascular Plant Image Library, http://botany.cs.tamu.edu/ |
 Flowers and foliage of the lead tree. Photo courtesy of Colin Wilson, www.issg.org |
 Flowers, foliage, and immature seed pods of the lead tree. Photo courtesy of Colin Wilson, www.issg.org |
 A full-grown lead tree showing both mature and immature seed pods. Photo courtesy of Colin Wilson, www.issg.org |