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Buffalobur (Solanum rostratum)
BACKGROUND: Buffalobur 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 lobed caylx.
DESCRIPTION: Buffalobur is an annual, 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 anthers in each flower is longer than the other four. The fruit is a dry berry that is overgrown by the calyx, 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.