Stem

Highly branched with lengthwise ridges, 1.5-4 ft. tall and lacks hair (glabrous); spines 0.5-1.5 in. long with yellow tips arise from leaf axils

Leaves

Alternate, simple, narrow to oblong and 0.25-0.75 in. long; hairs on lower surface only

Flower

Pea-like; 0.3-0.4 in. long with pink to purple petals; 2-8 flowers occur alternately along short, spine-tipped branches
Seed pods are reddish-brown, 0.5-1.25 in. long, often curved, tipped with a small spine and contain 5-8 seeds; pods are deeply indented between seeds

Camelthorn flower

Root

Woody, deep, spreading root system; roots often associate with nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Camelthorn pods

Other

Grows best in areas where it can access additional water during the growing season; often found in field borders, roadsides and along waterways; known to occur in Clark and Humboldt counties
Perennial; reproduces mostly by roots but sometimes seed

Camelthorn plant

Control

Hand removal of individual plants (including roots) can limit spread of small infestations; grazing, mechanical removal and burning are NOT effective
Apply 2,4-D or dicamba post emergence; aminopyralid, imazapr, metsulfuron or picloram pre- or post emergence

Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Camelthorn, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Extension Associated Contacts

Heidi Kratsch

Also of Interest:


Insect Management Applying IPM strategies: Insect control can be split into these five separate categories. Hefner, M. 2019, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Pesticide Labels Explained Tips for considering when to use a pesticide and the basics of reading pesticide labels. Jensen, C. and Kratsch, H. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Earwigs This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing earwigs in Nevada. K. Burls, W.Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-108
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Shield Bugs This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing Shield Bugs in Nevada. K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-110
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Squash Bugs This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing Squash Bugs in Nevada. K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H.i Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-111

Associated Programs

Master Gardeners of Nevada

Program trains local gardeners to provide research-based horticulture information to Nevadans

Master Gardeners of Washoe County

Master Gardeners provide free, research-based horticulture information to Nevadans.

Master Gardeners of Douglas County

Learn about the Master Gardener program in Douglas County, Nevada.

Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Camelthorn