Appearance
Peganum harmala is a perennial plant with a low-growing, bushy habit reaching 2-3 ft. (0.6-0.9 m) in height.

Foliage
Leaves are succulent, dark green in color, smooth, fleshy, alternate, irregularly divided, and from 0.8-2 in. (2-5 cm) long.

Flowers
The white, five-petal flowers have green sepals and yellow stamens. They are present from late spring to early fall in the axils of the leaves.

Fruit
Seeds are medium-size and found in a 2-celled or 4-celled green capsule that dries and bursts open at maturity. The plant also spreads by lateral roots.

Ecological Threat
P. harmala is found in disturbed environments such as roadsides and fields in the desert to semi-desert areas. The plant is found in many western states and can be poisonous to people and livestock. P. harmala is native to Africa, temperate and tropical Asia and Europe.

Citations

Winston, R.L., Andreas, J.E., Milan, J., DesCamp, W., Randell, C.B., and M. Schwarzlander. 2014. New Invaders of the Southwest. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. FHTET-2014-12. Retrieved from https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/14767.pdf
 

Resources

• Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet - University of Nevada, Reno
• Weed Field Guide - USDA Forest Service

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Arizona Noxious Weeds
• California Invasive Plant Council
• California Noxious Weeds
• Colorado Noxious Weeds
• Nevada EDRR
• Nevada Noxious Weeds
• New Invaders of the Southwest
• New Mexico Noxious Weeds
• Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems
• Oregon Noxious Weeds
• Pacific Northwest Exotic Pest Plant Council, 1998
• Utah Noxious Weeds - Early Detection Rapid Response Watch List
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References