Physical Description: Annual herb with a taproot. The reddish-green stems are prostrate (grow along the ground) forming mats that are up to 100cm wide. Leaves are alternate along the stem, with 4-8 pairs of egg-shaped leaflets. Plants produce solitary yellow flowers that have 5 petals; flowers form into burs with stout spines.
Habitat: Dry fields and waste places
Impacts: Nuisance to humans as burs can puncture tires and cut exposed skin; toxic to livestock.
Reproduction: Seed only. Seed remain viable for 3 to 6 years.
Mechanical: Hand pulling or digging prior to setting seed is effective on small infestations. Mowing is not effective due to their prostrate growth along the ground.
Chemical: Several herbicides with the following active ingredients can control Puncturevine: 2,4-D, dicamba, picloram + 2,4-D, glyphosate, chlorsulfuron, and imazapyr. For available products, contact your local agri-supply store. Prior to any herbicide application, read and follow the label instructions.
