Puncturevine

 

Puncturevine

Tribulus terrestris

Colorado List C - Control recommended

General

  • Annual 
  • Introduced from Europe, Asia and Africa
  • Caltrop family (Zygophyllaceae)

Common Names

  • Goathead

Habitat

  • Found in pastures, open areas, roadsides and disturbed areas


Plant


Vegetation

  • Plants are prostrate
  • Leaves opposite, pinnately compound
  • Leaflets paires, 1/4 inch long
  • Mature plants up to 4 feet wide

Roots

  • Taproot

Flower

  • Season: July to October
  • Single in leaf axils
  • Yellow, 5-petaled

Seed

  • Remain dormant for 5 years or more
  • Germinates in spring through summer
  • Spiny burs that contain 2-4 seeds.  Tough seedcoat
  • May damage tires, easily attach to equipment, clothing, and fur

Reproduction

  • Seed


Control


Biological

  • Seed and stem weevils


Chemical

  • Info sheet coming soon


Cultural

  • Prevention - maintain health of site
  • Removal - bag and dispose of plants if seeds have started to develop


Mechanical

  • Burning - N/A
  • Grazing - N/A
  • Mowing - N/A


Use all chemicals according to the manufacturer's label. No specific recommendation or endorsement is made or implied by listing methods 

Treatment Timeline


JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec
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Seed