Camelthorn
 Family
Alhagi pseudalhagi
Designation/Status
Arizona Noxious Weed List -
Restricted
Federal Noxious Weed List –
Origins
Introduced from Asia.
Plant Characteristics
Life Cycle: Perrennial shrub.
Seed and extensive, deep-penetrating, horizontally speading roots.
Small pieces of roots can grow into new plants. Seed pods
and pea-shaped flowers are maroon to pinkish in color.
Visual
Appearance: Shrub forms dense patches, grows from 1 1/2
to 4 feet tall. Green stems bear many branches that are
covered with slender spines (1/4 to 1 3/4 inches long).
Leaves are wedge-shaped and alternate. Flowers are solitary
(1" to 2" diameter) violet to reddish, numerous brachts spiny
tipped.
Habitat
 Grows well on dry and moist sites and can be found on roadside,
overgrazed pastures, irrigation canals, rivers, and disturbed
areas. It has been known to grow up through asphalt and housing structures. Established between 100 and 5000 feet in elevation.
Control Measures
Prevention:
Camelthorn is very difficult to control once
established. Preventative measures include using certified weed-free
hay, prevent overgrazing, and stopping activities that result in
significant ground disturbances.
Mechanical and Cultural: Because of deep root system,
mechanical control is difficult. The entire root system must
be removed if hand-pulling is to be successful.
Biological:
Chemical: Herbicides provide the best means of control.
When using herbicides, be sure to use different chemicals each year
to prevent the establishment of a herbicide-resistant population.
|
