Buffalobur
Solanum rostratum
Washington State Classification
Class C — Widespread, County-Selected Control
Buffalobur is generally considered a nuisance in its native range and is toxic to livestock.
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
This annual plant is spiny, hairy and around 1/2 to 3 feet tall. The entire plant, except the petals, is covered by straight yellow spines that are 1/8 to 1/2 inch long.
Leaves
The leaves are alternate, 2 to 6 inches long, irregularly cut into 5 to 7 lobes, and extremely prickly.
Flowers
Flowers in clusters (racemes) of 3 to 15. Flowers are yellow, 5-lobed, flat and circular (rotate) and around 1 inch in diameter.
Fruit & Seeds
Fruit is a berry.
Impact
Buffalobur is generally considered a nuisance in its native range and is toxic to livestock. It is very aggressive in pastures and rangeland, competing with forage plants. Burs can get caught on sheep wool devaluing the wool.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
Buffalobur is found in fields, overgrazed pastures, yards, roadsides, waste areas, barn yards, and will grow in sandy soils, as well as dry hard soils to rich moist soils of cultivated fields. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of buffalobur in Washington.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
Buffalobur reproduces by seed.
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Control Methods
Mechanical
- Prevention of seed production is possible with repeated, close mowing or hoeing out plants before flower blossoms appear.
Cultural / Prevention
- Cultivation (rototilling or hoeing) will effectively eliminate plants. Mowing to prevent seed production is a very effective means of management. In lawns, mowing regularly at the proper height for the grass species may help minimize weed growth and invasion.