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t
in small hairy leaves
railing stems covered water than most plants.
divided into six to eight is diligently hand-pulling, Scott advises. However, this is
Once puncturevine has invaded, the most effective control
oval leaflets. It can form
a large mat, up to two to
not a practical approach for large infestations. Instead, light
three metres wide, along
tillage with a ëWeed Badger’ or similar piece of equipment
r
is probably the best option, preferably before plants have
p
oadsides, on beaches, in produced seedpods.
disturbed habitats.
astures, dry fields and
encourage weed seeds lying dormant in the soil to
Keep in mind however, that any soil disturbance can also
five-petal flowers borne
It has tiny, yellow, germinate, warns Scott.
singly on short stalks,
but the flowers open in
disturbance. Flaming is another approach that would
So, seed with a competitive mix following soil
the mornings only.
probably work, she says.
into a sharp-pointed
The flower matures prostrate growth. While some herbicides may efficiently
Unfortunately mowing is not an option because of its
burr which breaks into
control puncturevine, this is not a suitable long-term option
five sections at maturity,
and there can be impacts to non-target plants.
each containing seeds.
Lisa Scott
between crop rows, along the edge of all travel corridors
In the long-term, establishing desirable ground cover
animals as well as being toxic to livestock, especially sheep.
The burrs can damage wool and injure livestock and other and in idle areas, will help to outcompete or even prevent
Each has two spines and contains two to five seeds and the
the invasion of puncturevine, she concludes.
spines are carried by humans, animals and in tires to
disperse the seeds to new areas.
toward preventing its spread.
If you learn to identify it, you’ve taken the first step
A single plant can produce up to a million seeds. infestation.
Once pulled, continue to monitor the area to prevent a re-
California in 1903; the Pacific Northwest in 1924 and in
Puncturevine originated in Europe; was first recorded in
Canada in the 1970s.
the invasive plant council website at:
To locate the invasive plant committee in your area, go to
It prefers dry, sandy or gravely soils and requires less
www.invasiveplantcouncil.ca and click on regional
committees.
British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Fall 2009 13
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