Buffalobur
Solanum rostratum

Although buffalobur is native to the midwestern United States, it is widely introduced elsewhere. It has been introduced to the Pacific Northwest multiple times, often as a seed contaminant in flowers, vegetables and even birdseed. It can spread quickly by seed and is able to grow in a wide range of conditions. The burs are a serious nuisance to wool producers even in the plant's native range and this spiny plant can be a real pest on a farm or in range areas.

Legal status in King County, Washington

Regulated Class A noxious weed. It has a very limited distribution in Washington.

Additional information on buffalobur

• Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board (external link)

What to do if you find this plant in King County, Washington

Please notify us if you see buffalobur growing in King County. Our program staff can provide the property owner or appropriate public agency with site-specific advice on how best to remove it. Also, because buffalobur is not established in King County, we have an opportunity to stop it from spreading if we act quickly. We map all known locations of regulated noxious weeds such as buffalobur in order to help us and others locate new infestations in time to control them.

Buffalobur photos - click thumbnail for larger image