Weed of the Week

9-1-08

Buffalobur, Solanum rostratum

                 

Photo credits: Nathan Kelbe, City and Count of Broomfield

 Characteristics:

Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade family)

Origin: Native

Description:

• Native Annual

• Large Spines

Stems:

• Heavily spiked

• Grows to 2 feet in height

Flowers:

• 1" wide

• 5 petals

• Yellow

Leaves:

• 2-5" in length

• Deeply lobed

 

Fruit:

• Contained in a spiny seed capsule

• Black, wrinkled and flattened

 

Additional information:

Widely distributed throughout the West.  Most commons on sandy soils and in waste areas because of it's drought tolerance.  It is host to the Colorado potato beetle.  Because it is not a highly competitive species it is not of large concern for weed management although it can be a nuisance due to the spines.

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