Cowpea Witchweed: A Parasitic Plant You Should Never Grow
If you’ve stumbled across the name cowpea witchweed while researching plants for your garden, stop right there! This is one plant that definitely doesn’t deserve a spot in your landscape, and we’re here to tell you exactly why.
What is Cowpea Witchweed?
Cowpea witchweed (Striga gesnerioides) is a sneaky little troublemaker that’s earned its ominous common name for good reason. This perennial forb—basically a non-woody plant—is what botanists call a parasitic plant. That means it literally steals nutrients from other plants to survive, kind of like the plant world’s version of a vampire.
Where Did It Come From and Where Is It Now?
Originally from Africa, cowpea witchweed has made its way to the United States as an unwelcome guest. Currently, it’s established in Florida, where it’s causing headaches for farmers and gardeners alike. This non-native species doesn’t just sit quietly in a corner—it reproduces on its own and spreads without any human help.
Why You Absolutely Shouldn’t Plant It
Here’s the deal: cowpea witchweed is officially classified as a noxious weed in the United States. That’s government speak for really, really bad plant that causes serious problems. Here’s why it’s such trouble:
- It’s a parasite that attaches to and damages legume crops like cowpeas, beans, and other important food plants
- It can cause significant crop losses, hurting both commercial agriculture and home food gardens
- Once established, it’s extremely difficult to control or eliminate
- It offers virtually no aesthetic value—you won’t be winning any garden beauty contests with this one
What Does It Look Like?
Cowpea witchweed is pretty unremarkable to look at, which makes it even more dangerous. As a small forb, it doesn’t have any significant woody growth and keeps its growing points at or below ground level. It’s the kind of plant that might go unnoticed until it’s already caused damage to your other plants.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of risking the ecological and agricultural damage that cowpea witchweed can cause, why not choose some beautiful native Florida plants instead? Here are some fantastic alternatives:
- Native wildflowers like blanket flower or black-eyed Susan for color
- Native grasses that provide habitat for wildlife
- Indigenous shrubs that support local pollinators and birds
If You Spot It, Report It
If you think you’ve encountered cowpea witchweed in the wild or in someone’s garden, don’t try to handle it yourself. Contact your local agricultural extension office or state plant regulatory agency. They have the expertise and legal authority to deal with noxious weeds properly.
The Bottom Line
Sometimes in gardening, the best advice is the simplest: just don’t. Cowpea witchweed falls squarely into that category. With its parasitic nature, noxious weed status, and potential to cause real agricultural damage, this is one plant that’s better left out of American gardens entirely. Stick with native alternatives that will beautify your landscape while supporting local ecosystems—your garden (and your neighbors) will thank you for it!
