Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris L.) is a nasty new noxious weed invader to our area.  It produces burs that will puncture bicycle tires, and the feet of humans and animals.  It will stick to your car tires, shoes and clothing to hitch a ride to a new area where it will drop its seed to start a new family of plants.  Puncturevine is capable of large population increases over a short period of time. The first known plant in Stevens County was discovered at a pull-out off of Hwy 395 in 2004.  Late summer 2006 several plants were found growing in the town of Kettle Falls.    Unfortunately, we found a few new larger patches of puncturevine growing in new developments in the Peachcrest area in 2007.  We all need to be on the lookout for this nasty invader!  Learn to identify plants and pay particular attention at roadside pullouts and along driveways.  Monitor tires, shoes, animals and clothing for burs.

Puncturevine is taprooted perennial plant that grows as a summer annual colder climates such as Stevens County.   It is a native of Europe and Asia.  It grows in mats flat on the ground.  It forms a 5 petaled yellow flower that only opens in the morning.  The seed pod of puncturevine is a cluster of 5 flat spiny burs that contain 2 to 4 seeds and 2 sharp spines on its back.  Puncturevine is also known as Goathead, Texas sandbur and Tackweed. The burs will damage wool and if grazed by livestock can be injurious to mouths and intestinal tracts.  The foliage is also toxic to livestock-especially sheep.  Puncturevine grows best in dry sandy soils, but tolerates most soil types.  One plant can produce up to 10,000 seeds.  The seeds can remain dormant in the soil from 4 to 5 years.  Puncturevine is often found in croplands and pastures, along roads, and in urban areas including alleys and vacant lots.

Puncturevine needs to be attacked aggressively.  Long term control relies upon the elimination of the seed bank.  Mechanical controls are effective, but we found that plants as small as the diameter of a quarter can have seeds on them and they are difficult to pull, let alone find!  Hand pulling is feasible on small infestations.  Healthy competitive vegetation can protect against this invader.  Many herbicides are reported to be effective. 

Until further notice, we are offering 100% of the materials and labor needed to control puncturevine.  Control methods will vary as necessary from site to site.  Landowners will have to agree to allow us access to the property multiple times during a growing season in order to perform surveys and pre-, post-treatment activities.  

Please contact our office if you suspect you may have seen this plant along a road edge, in a parking lot or if you think you may have it on your property.  Help us keep this one from getting a foothold in Stevens County!