Peganum harmala

Peganum harmala_C253-03
Photo: UC Davis Weeds of California

Common names: African-rue

Peganum harmala (African-rue) is a perennial herb/ (family Zygophyllaceae) with white flowers and thin narrow leaves found in the Mojave Desert in California. It is native to the Mediterranean and central Asia. It favors grasslands. It spreads via seeds and roots. Seeds are dispersed by water, animals, farm machinery and other vehicles. Local spread occurs when pieces of rootstock are severed and moved during cultivation.

Cal-IPC Rating: Watch

CDFA Rating: -*?

Assessment(s)

Plant Risk Assessment - An evaluation of the potential for a plant to be invasive in California.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

There are no newsletter articles associated with this species yet.

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

There are no Symposium presentations associated with this species yet.

Other Peganum harmala Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Peganum harmala_flowers, leaves, and stems_WynnAnderson
    Peganum harmala (African-rue) flowers, leaves, and stems. Photo: Wynn Anderson
    Peganum harmala_fruit (close-up)_WynnAnderson
    Peganum harmala (African-rue) fruit (close-up). Photo: Wynn Anderson
    Peganum harmala_fruit capsule (open)_WynnAnderson
    Peganum harmala (African-rue) fruit capsule (open). Photo: Wynn Anderson
    Peganum harmala_growth habit_WynnAnderson
    Peganum harmala (African-rue) growth habit. Photo: Wynn Anderson