The Enemy – Buffalobur (Solanum rostratum)
The Strategy – This Idaho State listed noxious weed is a short growing annual plant that has sharp spines on the stems and seed heads. The yellow flowers develop a round seed pod that houses many seeds. It grows to a height of 2 feet. This plant is in Eastern Idaho as it was brought to us by contaminated “wild bird” seed. The leaves from this plant are extremely lobed (like tomatoes – as they are in the same family) and have prominent yellow veins.
The Attack – This plant has been known to be a host for the Colorado Potato beetle that eats up our commercially grown potatoes. It is also a very miserable plant to have around as the spines are very unforgiving and can keep wildlife, livestock, and recreationists from enjoying the environment. As this seed showed up in bird food we primarily find it near bird feeders, but have found it in pastures and ally-ways – anywhere the birds fly or roost.
The Defense – As with all annuals, mechanical control is very useful. When digging it up just make sure that you get 2-3 inches of the root out of the ground and it will control the weed. Early in the spring you can use various herbicides such as 2,4-D, Banvel, or similar broadleaf herbicide. We do not recommend using Roundup as it is a non-selective herbicide and will also kill the surrounding grasses that are needed to keep other weeds from encroaching. If you suspect this plant is near your bird feeder (although the seed has not been allowed in Idaho for 10 years) call your local weed authority for proper identification and control.
PLEASE NOTE – The proper use and application of herbicides can be an effective way to control and eradicate noxious and invasive plants. Before using herbicides, always carefully follow the label and safety instructions on the label. While we recommend the use of herbicides as one of the effective tools for integrated pest management, the Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign assumes no liability for herbicide applications.