Bur buttercup: Ceratocephala testiculata

We get many calls at the weed board office each spring about a low growing plant with yellow flowers that people commonly mistake for puncturevine, Tribulus terrestris. The plant is bur buttercup, Ceratocephala testiculata, and it is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).

Bur buttercup is one of the first species to flower in the spring. It has leaves that are divided into finger like segments with an overall grayish green appearance. Bur buttercup plants form cylindrical burs when mature, and that is how the misidentification with puncturevine comes about.

While puncturevine is considered a noxious weed in Grant County, bur buttercup is not. Bur buttercup grows prolifically in the early spring, while puncturevine does not usually germinate until May. Bur buttercup seldom grows more than 4 to 6 inches tall, while puncturevine stems can grow up to 6 feet long. Bur buttercup plants produce a very sharp bur-like fruit that can stick to animal paws, tires, clothing and camping equipment, among countless other objects. These burs, however, are much softer than those of puncturevine. They would likely not puncture a bicycle tire as puncturevine burs can.

Since bur buttercup reproduces only by seed and has a small root system, it is easier to control than some of our noxious weeds. Bur buttercup is not a strong competitor with grasses, so getting a nice established stand of grass will help keep this plant at bay. Hand pulling or tilling can be quite effective as well, but is labor intensive.

Bur buttercup is commonly found growing in disturbed areas such as vacant lots, driveways, gardens and roadsides. If you find yourself with an infestation of this troublesome weed, a pre-emergent herbicide applied early in the season before seed germination can be very effective. Post-emergent herbicide can be very effective as well, but only if applied before seed set. As the saying goes, “stop the seed, stop the weed.”

Please feel free to call the Noxious Weed Control Board of Grant County at (509) 754-2011, Ext. 4710, or visit our website at www.grantcountyweedboard.org.