Puncturevine / goathead
Discuss this plant with the guide — choose this profile as a possible match and prepare your observations for Colorado Plants & Practical Care.
Tribulus terrestris
Colorado List C — Manage widespread weeds. S29
Widespread and well established. Control is recommended by the state; local governments may require management. This is a management category, separate from danger ratings. Category source · What the lists mean.
Sharp burs · Animal injury. Native status, garden use and noxious-weed class are separate from toxicity. Exposure help.
Still researching this plant
This is a sourced working profile. Evidence is incomplete for Other animals. Independent botanical and veterinary review is pending. Uncertainty is not a finding that the plant is safe.
Three views of this plant
Photos are source-identified examples, not a complete identification key. Check leaves, stems, flowers and fruit together. Locations are not assumed to be in Colorado.
Forest & Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0
Photo source and identification
Original record · Original image
Source page scientific identification plus visual morphology review of the selected photograph. This is a source-identified reference image, not a specimen-based taxonomic determination.
Wikimedia server-resized derivative; no crop, color change, or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; the catalog preview uses a CSS crop.
Bill.pix · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo source and identification
Original record · Original image
Source page scientific identification plus visual morphology review of the selected photograph. This is a source-identified reference image, not a specimen-based taxonomic determination.
Wikimedia server-resized derivative; no crop, color change, or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; the catalog preview uses a CSS crop.
Steve Hurst @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database · Public domain
Photo source and identification
Original record · Original image
Source page scientific identification plus visual morphology review of the selected photograph. This is a source-identified reference image, not a specimen-based taxonomic determination.
None; original downloaded without modification. Gallery display preserves the full image; the catalog preview uses a CSS crop.
Recognize
Low, radiating stems with small leaflets, yellow flowers, and hard, spiny burs. Common on disturbed ground. S17
Plants & habitat
Can form spreading mats and compete with other plants. Preventing seed production is central to management. S18
People
Spiny burs puncture skin and can remain a hazard after the plant dies. Use protective gloves when handling. S17 S18
Dogs & cats
Burs can injure animals. Pet precaution: keep play areas clear of burs and check paws after contact. S18 S19
Other animals
Burs can injure grazing animals’ mouths. Puncturevine can also be toxic to sheep; livestock findings do not establish a pet toxicity dose. S18
Before taking action
Confirm the scientific name before removing a plant, changing animal access, or choosing treatment. An evidence gap means this review has not resolved the question. It does not mean safe. For listed weeds, consult your county weed program about the requirements for your location; follow the current label for any pesticide. S27
References
- S29 — Weed Management Reference Guide, Larimer County, Colorado. Accessed 2026-09-07T00:24:00+00:00. Locator: Puncturevine entry: List C.
- S17 — 2109 – Puncture Vine, PlantTalk Colorado · CSU Extension. Accessed 2026-09-07T00:23:56+00:00. Locator: What is a puncture vine?; How can I control puncture vines?.
- S18 — Puncturevine / Home and Landscape, University of California Statewide IPM. Accessed 2026-09-07T00:23:55+00:00. Locator: Pest Notes introduction; Identification and Life Cycle; Impact; Management.
- S19 — Here They Come!, CSU Extension · Pueblo County. Accessed 2026-09-07T00:23:54+00:00. Locator: Puncturevine seed-casings and animal injury; herbicide label guidance.