Tribulis terrestris Linnaeus
[Zygophyllaceae]
Other common names: goatheads, Texas sandbur
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.
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.
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.
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.
Turner, C. E. 1995. Puncturevine, Tribulus terrestris. In Biological Control of Weeds in the West. Western Society of Weed Science.
