Identification and Reproduction

Identification: 

• Syrian bean-caper is a herbaceous plant that has a shrubby growth pattern, reaching up to 60 cm tall. 
• Leaves are opposite and compound. Each leaf is composed of a pair of oval-shaped leaflets that make a distinct Y-shape. Leaves are succulent, smooth and thick. 

• Flowers bloom from May to August. They are white, yellow or copper-orange in colour. Flowers are made up of 5 petals. 

• Seedpods are long, oblong and contain 5 seeds. 

Reproduction: 

• This plant reproduces from seed and spreads laterally from creeping roots. 

Habitat & Ecology

• Large infestations normally takes over roadsides. 
• It invades dry habitats such as rangeland and grasslands. 
• It is also drought tolerant. 
• It has yet to be observed in Canada, but is currently in several states in the US. 

Impacts

Social: 

• This plant is unpalatable to livestock. 

Ecological:

• It decreases native biodiversity by forming dense monocultural patches. 
• Syrian bean-caper outcompetes native vegetation for water and space. 

Management

Prevention is a high priority for this species. 

• Learn to identify this plant and report any sightings to your local Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).  
• Purchase and plant certified, clean seed mixtures. 
• Be cautious of imported grass seed mixtures, be sure to check seed labels.
• Clean clothing, pets, equipment and vehicles before leaving infested sites. 
• Do not purchase, plant, or distribute this plant in seed or propagative form. 

Resources

For more details check out the CFIA's factsheet on Syrian bean-caper- Zygophyllum fabago here.

Header photo (Yuriy Kvach).