Bean Broomrape: A Parasitic Plant You Definitely Don’t Want in Your Garden
If you’ve stumbled across the name bean broomrape in your gardening research, you might be wondering if this unusual-sounding plant has a place in your landscape. The short answer? Absolutely not! Bean broomrape (Orobanche crenata) is one of those plants that sounds quirky but is actually a serious troublemaker that every gardener should avoid.
What Exactly Is Bean Broomrape?
Bean broomrape is a parasitic flowering plant that belongs to the broomrape family. Unlike most plants that make their own food through photosynthesis, this sneaky species has given up that whole being green thing entirely. Instead, it latches onto the roots of other plants—particularly legumes like beans, peas, and lentils—and steals their nutrients. Think of it as the botanical equivalent of that friend who always forgets their wallet at dinner.
This herbaceous plant produces spikes of small, tubular flowers that range from cream to pale yellow in color. While the flowers might seem innocent enough, don’t let their understated appearance fool you—this plant is trouble with a capital T.
Where Does Bean Broomrape Come From?
Bean broomrape is native to the Mediterranean region, including parts of Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. In these areas, it has co-evolved with local ecosystems over thousands of years. However, when it travels beyond its native range, it becomes a serious agricultural pest.
Why You Should Never Plant Bean Broomrape
Here’s where things get serious: bean broomrape is classified as a noxious weed in the United States. This isn’t just a gardening preference—it’s a legal designation that means this plant poses a significant threat to agriculture and natural ecosystems.
Here’s why this plant is such bad news:
- Crop destroyer: It can severely damage or kill bean, pea, and lentil crops
- Economic impact: Causes millions of dollars in agricultural losses worldwide
- Difficult to control: Once established, it’s extremely hard to eradicate
- Seed production: A single plant can produce thousands of tiny seeds that remain viable in soil for years
How to Identify Bean Broomrape
Since you should never intentionally plant this species, knowing how to identify it is crucial for removal purposes. Bean broomrape appears as:
- Thick, fleshy stems that emerge from the ground near host plants
- No true leaves—just small, scale-like structures
- Cream to pale yellow flower spikes
- Heights typically ranging from 6 to 24 inches
- A somewhat waxy or succulent appearance
What to Do If You Find Bean Broomrape
If you suspect you’ve found bean broomrape on your property, don’t panic, but do act quickly:
- Contact your local agricultural extension office or state department of agriculture
- Take clear photos of the plant for identification purposes
- Avoid disturbing the plant until you get professional guidance
- Never compost suspected broomrape plants
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of risking the introduction of this problematic plant, consider these beautiful and beneficial native alternatives that will actually enhance your garden:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda species) for pollinator-friendly flowers
- Native lupines for nitrogen fixation and stunning flower spikes
- Regional wildflower species that support local ecosystems
The Bottom Line
Bean broomrape might have an amusing name, but there’s nothing funny about its impact on agriculture and ecosystems. This parasitic plant is a serious pest that should never be intentionally cultivated. If you encounter it, report it to the proper authorities and focus your gardening energy on plants that will truly benefit your landscape and local environment.
Remember: the best gardens are built with plants that play well with others, not ones that freeload off their neighbors!
