puncturevine
(Tribulus terrestris L.)

This species is Introduced in the United States

States Counties Points List Species Info

Native Range

Asia, Africa, and Mediterranean Europe

Appearance

Puncturevine is a prostrate summer annual with a deep taproot and stems that grow from a single point at the crown, creating a mat typically 2–7 ft (60–210 cm) in diameter. The leaves are opposite and compound, with 4–8 pairs of small elliptical leaflets. Flowers are up to ½ in (12 mm) across with five yellow petals. The spiny fruits are ½ in (12 mm) in diameter and break apart into five wedge-shaped, woody burs.

Impact

Puncturevine creates a dense, sprawling mat that excludes other plant species. Plants produce numerous spiny burs that readily puncture bicycle tires and footwear. The burs also puncture livestock feet and digestive tracts, and they contaminate wool, hay, and crop production. If consumed in large quantities, puncturevine can be toxic to grazing and foraging animals, especially sheep.

Reference

Andreas, J.E., K. Bowers, and J. Milan. 2024. Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris): History and Ecology in North America. In: R.L. Winston, Ed. Biological Control of Weeds in North America. North American Invasive Species Management Association, Milwaukee, WI. NAISMA-BCW-2024-9- PUNCTUREVINE-P. https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/29215.pdf

 

Selected Images


Maps


EDDMapS Distribution

EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org

State Regulated List

State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.

Taxonomic Rank

Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Superorder: Rosanae
Order: Sapindales
Family: Zygophyllaceae
Genus: Tribulus
Tribulus terrestris L.