| camelthorn |
USDA PLANTS Symbol: ALMA12 USDA ARS GRIN: 2198 ITIS: 500956 NAPIS: PCQAFBA |
| Alhagi maurorum Medik | |
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Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida: Fabales: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
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| Synonym(s): camel thorn | |
Camelthorn is a perennial shrub that grows 2-3 ft. (0.6-0.9 m) tall. Small, pea-like flowers are produced in June to August. These brown to maroon flowers extend from sharp yellow spines of 1 to 2 in. (2.5-5 cm) in length located along the rigid branches. Seed pods are constricted between the individual seeds and are tipped with a small beak. Camelthorn is found in arid, agricultural areas and riverbanks of the western U.S. where it has access to water during the growing season. The plant rapidly colonizes an area by producing new plants from its creeping roots. It is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia and was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s as a contaminant in alfalfa seed. |
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| Selected Images from Invasive.org | View All Images at Invasive.org |
 Plant(s); Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Feature(s); Stem Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Feature(s); Thorns Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Foliage; Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Plant(s); fruiting John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Flower(s); Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Plant(s); John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Plant(s); John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Seed(s); Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
Taxonomic References:
- USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1, National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
Invasive Listing Sources:
- Faith Campbell, 1998. Plants that Hog the Garden: Invasive Plants in the United States. Fine Gardening Online
- Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
- John Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Survey of TNC Preserves, 1995.
- Pacific Northwest Exotic Pest Plant Council, 1998
- WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
- Arizona Noxious Weeds
- Arizona Noxious Weeds
- California Invasive Plant Council
- California Noxious Weeds
- California Noxious Weeds
- Colorado Noxious Weeds
- Colorado Noxious Weeds
- New Mexico Noxious Weeds
- New Mexico Noxious Weeds
- Nevada Noxious Weeds
- Nevada Noxious Weeds
- Oregon Noxious Weeds
- Oregon Noxious Weeds
- Texas Noxious Weeds
- Washington Noxious Weeds
- Washington Noxious Weeds
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