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Puncturevine

Tribulus terrestris

Other Common Names

Bullhead, Goathead

Plant Category

Annual

Invasive Description

Puncturevine is an annual, low-spreading forb native to the Mediterranean. Yellow, 5-petaled flowers develop singly in the axils of the leaves and appear midsummer to frost. Fruit are circular, spiny burs that split into 5 sections. The plant can survive hot and dry conditions and is killed by freezing temperatures.

Ecological Threat

The Puncturevine plants invade roadsides, pastures, fields and other disturbed areas. The plants are toxic to sheep and other grazers. Burs can cause injury to bicycle tires, bare feet, and even small truck tires.

You may not want or need to replace this invasive plant. There are no suitable native replacements for this plant.

How to Eradicate

For information on how to eradicate this invasive, view our statement on herbicide use and preferred alternatives for invasive plants.

Native Alternatives

You can replace this invasive plant with native alternatives. Here are some plants that make superior replacements.

Match your location on the Texas map to the color squares on the replacement plants below to find suitable replacements for your ecoregion.

Click for more details about the ecoregions