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
*What Are Those Weird Bumps on My Fruit Tree? Understanding Kuno Scale* Kuno scale is a common soft scale insect that often appears as small bumps on ornamental plum trees. This blog explains how to identify Kuno scale, understand its life cycle, recognize damage symptoms, and choose effective, timely management options. Andrews, M. 2026, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Blog
*What Should Gardeners Know About Ladybug Releases? The Pros and Cons* A clear, balanced look at the pros and cons of releasing ladybugs for pest control. Learn why most bought ladybugs fly away, the ecological risks many gardeners overlook, and smarter, more sustainable ways to support beneficial insects in your garden. Jensen, C. 2026, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Blogs
*Why Are We Seeing More Rats in Northern Nevada?* Rats are becoming more common in Northern Nevada. Discover the factors driving their increase and how to prevent them. Jensen, C. 2026, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Blog
*How to Identify Pests Using Your Phone* When dealing with a pest problem, one of the first challenges is figuring out exactly what you’re up against. Many mobile apps and online tools allow you to take or upload a photo to get possible identifications. Jensen, C.; Johnson, J. 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Blog

Associated Programs

Master Gardeners of Washoe County

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

Master Gardeners of Douglas County

Learn about Extension's Master Gardener Program in Douglas County, Nevada.

Master Gardeners of Nevada

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

Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Camelthorn