A seagull flies over the California Coastal National Monument which stretches along the entire coast of California and extends 12 miles into the Pacific Ocean. The Monument includes 20,000 rocks, islands, pinnacles and reefs.
BLM
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Eastern Sierra Mountains Cactus in Bloom Rock Climbing Alabama Hills River Rafters on Cache Creek
California
BLM>California>Bishop>Biological Resources>Noxious Weeds>Puncture vine
Print Page
Bishop Field Office

Noxious Weeds


Puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris L.)

Caltrop family (Zygophyllaceae) 

Composite photo of Puncture vine

 

Weeds

GROWTH HABIT:Mediterranean annual, mat forming, trailing stems to 5 feet (1.5 m) long.
LEAVES: 
Opposite, hairy, divided into 4 to 8 pairs of leaflets. Oval leaflets ¼ to ½ inch (6-12 mm) long.   
FLOWERS:
Yellow with 5 petals in leaf axils, to ½ inch (12 mm) wide.
SEEDS:
Fruits break into 5 sections with 2 to 4 seeds per capsule. Capsules tack-like structures with 2 sharp spins, resembling the head of a goat.
OTHER:
Toxic to livestock in a vegetative condition. Fruits cause mechanical injury. Easily dispersed by vehicles and road grading equipment.
KEY CHARACTERS:
  • Mat forming with opposite, divided and hairy leaves.
  • Seed resembles head of goat.
DISTRIBUTION:
Along roadsides throughout the Owens Valley, especially prolific along Dixon and Barlow lanes – Inyo County
         


   
Last updated: 05-14-2009