Elmore County’s "Most Wanted" Weed: Puncturevine

One of the most annoying weeds in Elmore County is puncturevine, also commonly called goathead weed. Scientists refer to this weed as Tribulus terrestris. The most notorious thing about puncturevine is the seed itself, which is ironically embodied in the scientific name as ‘tribo’ means “to tear”. The seed pods are extremely sharp and injure feet, hides, mouths and often puncture the occasional bicycle tire in heavily infested areas. The seed pod is arranged so that no matter how it is resting upon the ground at least one spine points upward to meet a foot, hoof or tire. If you happen to accidentally step on a seed pod you will feel the sharp pain of this weed as you pluck the seed pod out of your foot or bicycle tire. For the full story, pick up a copy of the Mountain Home News or click on this link to subscribe to the newspaper's online edition.