Becker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Syrian beancaper, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Stem

  • Up to 3 ft. tall; multiple stems from crown; branched; lacks hair (glabrous)
Photo of Syrian beancaper

Leaves

  • Opposite; compound with 2 opposite leaflets; leaflets oblong, 0.5-1.5 in. long, thick, waxy and lack hair (glabrous) with smooth edges (margins)
Photo of Syrian beancaper

Flower

  • 5 petals, white to cream colored with a pink or orange tinge; each on short stalks at upper leaf axils
  • Pods cylindrical, 1-1.5 in. long and 5-sided with small wings; thread-like projection extends from tip; 5 chambers, each containing 1 seed
Photo of Syrian beancaper plant

Root

  • Deep, woody taproot with creeping roots
 

Other

  • Often infests rangeland, roadsides and desert areas; not known to occur in Nevada
  • Perennial; reproduces by seed and creeping roots
 

Control

  • Cultivation and hand-removal often unsuccessful due to remaining root fragments that can generate new plants
  • Apply glyphosate, imazapic, metsulfuron or picloram from bud stage until fall

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