Pests Under Eradication: Harmel

Harmel
Peganum harmala

Harmel, also known as African Rue and ruin weed, was first introduced into the United States in 1931, most likely as a contaminant in alfalfa seed from Turkestan. In California, Harmel has only been found in two areas, one in Kern County and one in San Bernardino County near Daggett.

Harmel is a bushy perennial plant that seldom gets taller than 30 inches. It has stiff upright stems with many branches. The leaves are bright green and divided into three or more thin strips. The flowers are white and about one inch across. It is very hardy and can thrive in dry abandoned fields in the desert where it stands out due to its vibrant green color. All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids, but livestock are seldom poisoned because the plant has a very bitter taste. Despite its poisonous nature, the plants have been used for oil and a red dye in the Middle East.

The plant spreads primarily by seeds. In cultivated fields, severed roots often develop into new plants. It is very hard to kill and there are no biological controls for this weed. The County has been working on eradicating this noxious weed using herbicides since 1989.