Yellow witchweed (Alectra vogelii) is an invasive plant. It is a native of Asia and Africa and was first detected in North and South Carolina in 1955.
Witchweed can parasitize important agricultural crops such as corn, sorghum, sugar cane and rice. The host plant's nutrients are depleted and energy is spent supporting the parasitic witchweed. Infestations reduce yields and contaminate crops.
For more information about this plant pest, see the CAPS data sheet.