Well I know for sure that we don't have it growing anywhere near us, because the only thorns I have to deal with are on the black locust trees. We're adjacent to an unused pasture, though, which I'm sure it wouldn't mind growing in. Thanks for the heads up.

There are words to describe it because I just read them. I figured since you have now sounded the alarm twice on this "monster" I got curious about it. It is listed as an invasive species, however doesn't seem to be a threat in Oklahoma, as it is in California although it does grow here (and most other states). Since it is an annual, it is not certainly public enemy #1 by a long way. Ragweed makes this one look like a piker. The information suggests mowing and grazing will control it. I've definitely seen worse offenders.

Pat, if you see one, just calm down, pull it or cut off its head so it can't bloom.

Dawn, if you read the full description, you'll see that mowing only spreads the seed unless you can get to it early, before it begins to flower. It can't be grazed at all, except by goats when it's still green. I've tried mowing it, and met with total failure. It just doubles the following year.

Wherever it has gotten a toe-hold at all, it is a hazard. If you want to leave it alone or try plucking the flowers to prevent bloom, be my guest. The thorns set far before the blossoms do. I thought some of the members deserved a heads-up on it, since it is very clearly still spreading across the country.

Pat

Then get to it early. Or why not try spraying it? A broadleaf herbicide for instance. If I remember right, you have been given advice on different herbicides on other posts.

As far as grazing is concerned, milkweed is toxic to animals as well. There is quite a list. Some that you have mentioned growing on your property as ornamentals.

I've never seen it here in our county at all. Not ever. Not once. I've been all over our county on fire calls, particularly the last 2 months on many ranches where everything is natural prairie range land that doesn't seem to be sprayed with herbicides, and haven't seen it anywhere, not even in sandy river bottom soil where so many invasive weeds pop up easily and no one is bothering to eradicate them. So, while it may be someplace in Oklahoma, I haven't seen it here.

Its a big deal in California. Maybe we should concern ourselves with controlling the real ecological dangers here, such as red cedars and a few others I could mention, that do pose a real threat. In Oklahoma, this would seem to be more of a nuisance plant rather than a serious threat.