African rue
(Peganum harmala)
African rue is a bright green, succulent, shrubby, perennial herb that grows 1-2 feet tall with a taproot and lateral root system that can extend 20 feet or more into the soil. The stems are multi-branched, stiff, erect and hairless. The leaves are alternate, fleshy, and are irregularly dissected three times or more into linear segments. The flowers are white with five petals and are present from April to September. Seeds are produced in a three-chambered capsule, with many small seeds in each chamber.
Check out the NEW document: History of African Rue in Colorado.
Access the EDDMapS distribution map for African rue in Colorado by clicking the image below.
Access the USGS INHABIT suitability model for African rue in Colorado by clicking the image below.
INHABIT is an online tool created by the USGS that provides species distribution models for various invasive plant species. The models associate known occurrences of a species with environmental characteristics to create maps that predict habitat suitability, and these maps can be used to assess the potential spread of noxious weeds. Learn more about INHABIT: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/fort-collins-science-center/science/inhabit-a-web-based-decision-support-tool-invasive