The yellow flowers spreading throughout the millet field are 'Buffalo bur nightshade' (Solanum rostratum). It is currently covering approximately 20% of the area inside the fence. According to the USDA it is an invasive noxious weed.
Texas A&M describes it is a low sprawling annual that grows to a height of 10-30". The entire plant (stems, leaves, fruit, & flower) is covered in 1/8-1/2" spines/prickles. The fruit looks like tiny tomatoes. The plant produces an alkaloid, solanine, that is poisonous to livestock. Blooms from April-October. (The plants in the millet field began blooming around Aug 1st)
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center says this plant survives in bad soil with no water. It often appears when all other things disappear. "highly toxic"
From the State of Washington Noxious Weed Control Board: "known to be highly aggressive and invasive... History: The name buffalobur dates back to the time of the settlement of the Great Plains when the plant grew abundantly in the disturbed soil of buffalo wallows. Buffalo carried the burs great distances in their shaggy coats."
From Kansas State University: "When mature, the main stem breaks near the ground and the plant rolls like a tumbleweed, scattering thousands of seeds."
Another source says, "Nasty, nasty, nasty. This plant is not one to be handled or even stepped on. The spines are very dense, stiff, and sharp. The plant is just brutal... causes intense, lingering pain if touched."
No comments:
Post a Comment