Kansas Thistle, Mala Mujer
Solanum rostratum Dun.
Family :Solanaceae
Longevity :Annual
Origin :Native
Season :Warm
Buffalo Bur is a low sprawling annual that grows to a height of 10 to 30 inches. It can be found in various soil types of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains. The leaves are deeply lobed, have prickles and measure two to six inches in length. The yellow flower is one inch in diameter and blooms from April to October. The fruit is covered in spines and is said to have attached itself to roaming buffalo, hence the name Buffalo Bur. The plant produces an alkaloid, solanine, that is poisonous to livestock and has such symptoms as labored breathing, weakness, and trembling. Animals that have died from Buffalo Bur poisoning may only exhibit excessive salivation. The seeds are eaten by bobwhite quail and Rio Grande turkeys.
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