Source: Idaho's Noxious Weeds by Robert H. Callihan & Timothy W. Miller
BACKGROUND
Buffalobur (Solanum rostratum) is native to the Great Plains region of the U.S. It is a drought-tolerant species that can grow in a wide variety of environmental conditions. Buffalobur spreads exclusively by seeds, which are enclosed within the spiny lobedA cut into a leaf from the edge toward the center; greater than toothed, but not quite compound calyxThe outermost flower leaves (sepals) together, often green in color.
DESCRIPTION
Buffalobur is an annualPlant that germinates, flowers, seeds, and dies during one growing season, with spiny leaves, flowers, and stems, that grows up to 2 feet tall. Leaves are deeply lobed like a watermelon leaf, and up to 5 inches long. Flowers are 1 inch across, 5 petalled, bright yellow, and bloom from midsummer until frost. One of the anthersStructure in a flower in which pollen is formed in each flower is longer than the other four. The fruit is a dry berry that is overgrown by the calyxThe outermost flower leaves (sepals) together, often green in color, forming a burlike fruit. Seeds are black, flat, and wrinkled.
DISTRIBUTION
Buffalobur is widely scattered throughout the West and has been seen in selected Idaho counties that are shown below.
CONTROL
No biological control agents are available for Buffalobur, but herbicides are available that can provide excellent control of this weed.