Cover Crop Name:
Cowpea
Scientific Name:
Vigna unguiculata L.
Growth Season:
Warm Season
Plant Type:
Broadleaf
Life Cycle:
Annual
Plant Architecture:
Upright and spreading plant architecture (vine)
Alternative Names:
Southern pea, black-eye pea
Relative Water Use:
Low water use
Salinity Tolerance:
Fair salinity tolerance
Seeding Depth:
¾ – 1 inch
Crude Protein:
– grain and leaves 19-30% – stems 13-17%
Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio:
18 – 22
Mycorrhizal Association:
Forms arbuscular mycorrhizal associations
Other Notes:
  • Legume (N-fixation)
  • Attracts pollinators
Crop Image
Crop Illustration