Cowpeas are a herbaceous annual summer legume with a well-developed taproot system. They can have a prostrate, sub-erect or erect growth habit.

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Three different types of cowpea are available; forage, grain and dual-purpose cowpea types.  They are considered a multi-purpose crop, being used for human consumption (as a pulse grain and vegetable), or as a forage crop (being grazed or preserved). They are also often used as a cover crop.