Buffalo bur - Solanum angustifolium (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Buffalo bur

Also known as: Kansas thistle, Mexican thistle

From a distance, buffalo bur may look deceptively cheerful. It has bright yellow flowers on top of green stems and dark green lobed leaves. A closer inspection, however, will show that this cheerful plant is covered in thorns from stem to flower. Not only are these thorns sharp, but they are also covered with a substance that causes lingering pain if introduced to the body.

Scientific classification

Species

Buffalo bur (Solanum angustifolium)

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Green, Blue, Bronze

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

Yellow, Purple

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Buffalo bur

Distribution of Buffalo bur

Distribution Map

Buffalo bur is inherently native to parts of Central America, flourishing in the region's varied climates. The species has been introduced to a wide array of geographical locations across several continents, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Its growth in these introduced settings signifies a vast expansion of its natural range, illustrating its ability to adapt to a diversity of global habitats.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Floodplains, abandoned fields, overgrazed places, roadsides

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Toxicity

Poisoning from buffalo bur is likely from accidental ingestion, with all parts highly toxic and potentially deadly. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, burning throat, headache, dizziness, and severe cases may lead to hallucinations, paralysis, and death. For cats and dogs, ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, requiring immediate veterinary care to prevent severe reactions.

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Weed Control

Buffalo bur is a weed with a native range of North America, southern Canada, and northern Mexico, as well as Central America and Brazil. It is considered a noxious weed in Idaho, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington, and is listed in the FDA Poisonous Plant Database as it's poisonous to livestock. Buffalo bur's burrs can tear the wool of sheep, while spines make this plant unpalatable for animals. Pull or dig up plants before seed heads form, wearing gloves due to the sharp spines, or repeatedly mow or hoe out plants before flowers appear.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of buffalo bur is during spring, before it starts to flower and seed. Here are some methods to control buffalo bur:

Manual Pulling: Pull out the buffalo bur plants from the roots using your hands or a weed puller. This is most effective when the soil is moist, allowing for easier root removal.
Mulching: Cover the soil around your plants with a thick layer of mulch to block sunlight and suppress the growth of buffalo bur. Organic mulch materials such as straw, wood chips, or grass clippings can be used.
Planting Cover Crops: Planting cover crops can outcompete buffalo bur for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. Choose a quick-growing, dense cover crop suited for your local climate.
Solarization: During the hottest months, cover the area infested with buffalo bur using a clear plastic sheet. This heats the soil, killing many weed seeds and seedlings.
Vinegar Spray: For small infestations, a homemade vinegar spray can be used. Mix a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water and spray it directly on the buffalo bur plants.

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Care Guide for Buffalo bur

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Buffalo bur is a drought-tolerant plant adapted to arid environments, thriving with minimal moisture. It has a deep root system for efficient water use, requiring weekly watering. Suitable for outdoor growth and xeriscaping, buffalo bur contributes to water conservation with its low water needs.

Propagation: To propagate buffalo bur, sow seeds in early spring. It has moderate propagation difficulty, with healthy growth and emerging seedlings indicating success. Ensure adequate sunlight and well-draining soil for optimal growth.

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Images of Buffalo bur

Distribution of Buffalo bur

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for Buffalo bur

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