Witchweed

Last Modified: May 27, 2025
Green stem weeds with red or yellow flowers.

Witchweed (Striga asiatica) is a parasitic plant that attacks corn, sorghum, sugar cane, rice, and other important crops. The blossoms are usually red but occasionally yellow blossoms occur. Unlike other weeds that only compete with crops for sunlight, water, nutrients, and space—witchweed attaches itself to host plant roots and causes direct damage. Currently witchweed is only found in seven North and South Carolina counties.

Witchweed can only grow if it's attached to another plant. It deprives its host of valuable nutrients, energy, and moisture causing significant yield reductions. Each witchweed plant can produce thousands of seeds that can remain dormant in the soil for over a decade. Witchweed is native to Africa, India, the Middle East, and China. Before APHIS' eradication efforts, witchweed was found in 38 North and South Carolina counties.

  • Seasonal Activity 
    • Witchweed emerges from the soil beginning in late June and flowers about 2 weeks later. Swollen seed pods follow, liberating thousands of microscopic seeds, which can live in the soil for at least 10 years.
  • Host Symptoms
    • Yellowing leaves
    • Wilting
    • Death

Report Plant Pests and Diseases

Have you seen this pest or signs of pest damage? Immediately report your findings.
Find your State plant regulatory official
Find your State plant health director

Controlling Witchweed