Puncturevine (Goathead): Identification, Dangers, and Control

Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris), also known as goathead, is a fast-spreading summer weed famous for its sharp spiny burs that puncture tires and injure people and animals.

Weeds • Lawn Care • Pest Prevention • Outdoor Safety

Goathead

Overview

Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) is a trailing, mat-forming summer annual weed known for producing sharp, five-seeded burs (“goatheads”). These burs can cause painful injuries and even damage bike tires, car tires, and animal hooves.
Native to warm regions of Eurasia and Africa, puncturevine thrives in dry, disturbed areas and spreads aggressively by seed from late spring through fall.

Characteristics & Impact

1) Appearance

Puncturevine grows low to the ground with prostrate, mat-forming stems that can reach 1.5–5 feet long. It has small, hairy leaves arranged in opposite pairs, making it easy to overlook until it spreads.

2) Flowers

The plant produces small yellow flowers with five petals, usually appearing during the warmer months.

3) Fruit (Goatheads)

The biggest concern is the fruit—hard, woody burs with 2–4 sharp spines that can:

  • Puncture tires

  • Injure bare feet

  • Hurt pets and livestock

  • Stick to shoes and spread to new areas

4) Toxicity Risk

Puncturevine foliage contains saponins, which can be toxic to livestock—especially sheep—and may cause photosensitization (sensitivity to sunlight).

5) Seed Viability & Spread

This weed spreads fast because one plant can produce 500–2,000 seeds, and those seeds can remain viable in soil for 4–6 years.
That’s why early control is critical.

Management & Control

Manual Removal (Best for Small Areas)

If the infestation is localized, pull plants by hand before they form seeds.
 Best time: early spring or when plants are still young.

Tools & Mechanical Control

Using a hoe or light cultivation can work well, but avoid mowing because it can:

  • Break apart the plant

  • Scatter goathead burs

  • Spread seeds further across your property

Disposal (Do Not Leave It on the Ground)

After removal, bag and dispose of puncturevine immediately. Seeds can still mature even after the plant has been pulled. Seeds can still mature even after the plant has been pulled.

Biological Control

Some areas use natural control methods such as:

  • Microlarinus lareynii (seed weevil)

  • Microlarinus lypriformis (stem weevil)

These can help reduce spread over time, especially in large outdoor infestations.

Timing Matters

Puncturevine can go from seed to mature plant in as little as 3 weeks, so early detection is the key.

  • Start checking problem areas in spring

  • Remove plants before they produce burs

Puncturevine (goathead) is more than just a weed—it’s a serious hazard for families, pets, and outdoor areas. With early removal, proper disposal, and consistent monitoring, you can stop it before it spreads and becomes a long-term problem.