Puncture Vine (Tribulus terrestris): Control the Painful Weed

Sharp thorny burs puncture tires, paws, bare feet—familiar misery for many gardeners. Annual weed in dry areas, forms dense low mat 5–15 ft diameter.

Mechanical Control

Hoe/dig before seeding, cut below crown to prevent regrowth. Post-removal in lawns: improve soil with compost, sow grass in bare spots to prevent re-establishment.

Chemical Control

• Pre-emergence: trifluralin or pendimethalin (some lawn grasses/ornamentals)
• Post-emergence lawns: MCPA, MCPP, dicamba