| Identification
Puncturevine can be identified by its distinguishing
leave pattern that often forms dense mats. Its leaves
are 2-6 cm long and one of each pair is distinctly larger
than the other.
Biology
It is most commonly found in dry, sandy areas such
as waste lots or on areas that rain is artificially
implemented such as irrigation ditches. Puncturevine
spreads by seeds which are protected by the tack-like
fruiting structures.
Distribution
Puncturevine is found throughout Texas. Due to these
broad growing conditions, puncturevine is found throughout
the United States except for the northern tier states
from Montana to Maine.
Status
Puncturevine is a problem weed because the seeds have
strong spines which are strong enough to puncture auto
tires! It is also a problem in agriculture because of
aggressive nature of this weed.
Biological Control Agents
Literature
Turner, C. E. 1995. Puncturevine, Tribulus terrestris.
In Biological Control of Weeds in the West. Western
Society of Weed Science.
Links
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