Buffalobur (Solanum rostratum) on Sep 23, 2008
Submitter does not have a specimen
Description of specimen
Yellow flowers which had characteristics of the nightshade family. Leaves alternate, lobed. Seed pods round and heavily spiked with thorns. All stems and leaves covered in sharp spines. The plant grew to about 2' before I destroyed it because of fear that the ripening seed pods might begin dispersing.
Reporter
Sept. 23, 2008, 1:29 p.m.
Buffalobur is not an uncommon plant, but can be a bit of a pain if you have a seed bed in your garden or driveway areas. It is an annual, so pulling before it seeds will eventually get rid of potential weeds. As it's name suggests, it is a hitch-hiker and generally spreads by attaching itself to clothing, fur, etc. As it is a broadleafed annual it can also easily be controled with common lawn and garden herbicides, if you choose to go tht route.
I kind of think of buffalobur as just another garden pest and deal with it as it comes along. It is not prone to invade areas tht have good grass/ground cover, so we have that going for us! ;>)
Vern Holm
Sept. 26, 2008, 9:28 a.m.