puncturevine
(Tribulus terrestris L.)

Overview

Appearance

Tribulus terrestris is an annual, low-spreading forb native to the Mediterranean.

Foliage

Leaves are opposite, hairy, 1-3 in. (2.5-7.6 cm) long, and divided into 8-18 oblong leaflets.

Flowers

Flowering occurs from midsummer to frost, when 5-petaled, yellow, 0.5 in. (1.27 cm) wide flowers develop singly in the axils of the leaves.

Fruit

Fruit are circular, spiny burs that split into 5 sections. Burs can cause injury to bicycle tires, bare feet, and even small truck tires.

Ecological Threat

Plants invade roadsides, pastures, fields and other disturbed areas. Plants are toxic to sheep and other grazers.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Alberta Weed Control Act
• Arizona Noxious Weeds
• California Invasive Plant Council
• California Noxious Weeds
• Colorado Noxious Weeds
• Idaho Noxious Weeds
• Iowa Noxious Weeds
• Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
• Maryland Invasive Species Council - Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland
• Michigan Noxious Weeds
• National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
• Nevada Noxious Weeds
• Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems
• North Carolina Noxious Weeds
• Oregon Noxious Weeds
• Pacific Northwest Exotic Pest Plant Council, 1998
• Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council
• Utah Noxious Weeds - Contain
• Washington Noxious Weeds
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References