Bur Buttercup versus Puncturevine, knowing the difference between these spring weeds

One of the early spring weeds found in Adams County is Bur Buttercup. It is often confused with Puncturevine because of the bur type seed. Both are annuals but only Puncturevine is a noxious weed. Bur Buttercups emerge, flower and form seed early in the spring usually before Puncturevine even emerges. Bur Buttercup is highly toxic to livestock, especially sheep. It is a small, low growing plant that grows two to five inches tall. It has one, to several, leafless stems arising from a cluster of basal leaves. Many white or grayish woolly hairs cover the stem and fruit. The five petal flowers are usually yellow and small. The petals drop off and the fruit emerges to form a bur-like head that becomes stiff and brown about a half-inch to three-quarter inch in length. The dried fruit is prickly and can stick to clothing and tires. The dried fruit resembles a tiny pinecone shape. This plant has a short life cycle that ends by the first part of June.

Puncturevine, also called goathead, grows from mid-June to fall frost. It requires relatively high temperatures for germination and growth. Puncturevine reproduces by seed only. The seeds continue to germinate throughout the summer. Flowers form within three weeks and continue for several months. A single plant can produce as many as 400 star-shaped fruits each containing two to three seeds.

Puncturevine is a vine-like plant that grows close to the ground, branching out from a single crown into numerous stems that can grow up to 10 feet long. Each stem has multiple branches that form a dense mat over the ground. The flower is yellow and small, with five petals. The fruit is a woody star shaped bur with sharp, rigid spines that can puncture tires, shoes and skin. This plant can also be toxic to livestock.

These two plants have a few similarities but only Puncturevine is a Class B Noxious Weed. The Adams County Noxious Weed Board office receives numerous calls each year from local landowners concerned about Bur Buttercup.

Both species can be controlled by spraying early in the season, following chemical recommendations. If pulling either plant, it is best to wear gloves and bagging the plants.

For more information, contact the Adams County Noxious Weed Board, 201 W. Broadway Avenue, Ritzville or call 659-1806.