Link to the WSNWCB Home Page link to the About Us page Link to the Weed Laws page Link to the Noxious Weed List Link to the Weed Information page link to the Frequently Asked Questions page Link to the Education page Connect to other Links page Link to Contact Us page

Class A Noxious Weed

Buffalobur
Solanum rostratum
 

Buffalobur flower

Other common names: Kansas thistle, Texas thistle
 Plant family: Solanaceae
Year listed:
Native to: The midwest region of the United States.

Why is it a noxious weed?
Generally considered a nuisance in it's native range. Burs can get caught on sheep wool, devaluing the wool.

 

How would I identify it?
General Description: Low growing yellow, spined, hairy annual. The stems mostly branching in the upper part, are erect and bushy, 1/2 to 2 feet long. The entire plant except the petals, is covered by straight yellow spines, 1/8 to 1/2 inch long.

Leaves:

  • alternate
  • 2- 6 inches long
  • irregularly cut into 5 to 7 lobes
  • extremely prickly

Flowers: 

  • yellow
  • 5-lobed, wheelshaped, clusters
  • 1 to 1 1/2 inches across

Stems:

  • upper stem branching
  • erect, bushy
  • 1/2 to 2 feet long
  • extremely prickly

Line drawings are taken from 1,000 Weeds of North America, copyright of XID Service, Inc and used with permission. Permission granted by the author.

How does it reproduce?
Buffalobur reproduces by seed.

Where does it grow?

Buffalobur is found in fields, overgrazed pastures, yards, roadsides, waste areas, barn yards, will grow in sandy soils, as well as dry hard soils to rich moist soils of cultivated fields.

What is the distribution in Washington State?
 

 

  • Distribution map not available at this time.

How do I control it?

General control methods:

Cultural: Prevention of seed production is possible with repeated, close mowing or hoeing out plants before flower blossoms appear.

Herbicide: Please refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook, or contact your county noxious weed coordinator.

Biological: None known.

For more information
For more information, download our Written Findings.

 

More Photos-Click photo to enlarge
Feel free to download, or contact us to receive high-resolution JPEG or TIFF formats

picture of buffalobur plant 
Buffalobur infestation photo.

 Last updated October 01, 2008