Identification and Reproduction

Identification: 

• Camelthorn is a perennial shrub that ranges from 0.6-0.9 m tall. 

• It bears sharp yellow spines that can be as long as 5 cm. 
• This plant also has leaves that are alternately arranged, small and lanceolate. 

• Produces small pea-like flowers that are brown or dark maroon. Blooms occur from June through August. 
• Seedpods are segmented and are constricted between each individual seed, tapering to a point. 

Reproduction: 

• Is able to reproduce vegetatively but also seeds. 
• Seedpods will shatter and release half-moon shaped seeds, these seeds are easily dispersed by water. 
• It is a very aggressive colonizer with its creeping roots constantly expanding outwards. 
• Camelthorn is a deep rooted plant that develops a very extensive rhizomatous root system. 
• Roots can penetrate upto 2 m deep and over 12 m in length. 

Habitat & Ecology

• Camelthorn will invade dry, agricultural areas and riverbanks.
• This plant is also very hardy and tends to persist through drought, high temperatures, frost, sandstorms and changes in salinity. 
• Currently this plant has been listed as a high risk species in Canada and has not yet established. 

Impacts

Social: 

• The deep and widespread root system makes the plant very difficult to control especially in crop ranges. 
• It out-competes crops for both nutrients and water. 
• Impalatable to livestock. 
• Camelthorn seeds tends to mix and contaminate alfalfa crop seeds. 

Ecological: 

• Its deep roots are able to reach water tables up to 2 m deep. In shallow or arid environments this may be problematic as there is potential to exhaust the water supply. 
• If a dense thicket establishes it will prevent animal mobility. 

Management

Prevention is a high priority for this plant. 

• Research has been shown that mechanical and manual control is difficult because of the thorns and is ineffective. 
• Use clean, high-quality seed mixtures that are certified. 
• Since camelthron has yet to establish in BC, it is currently listed as an Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) invasive species and being closely monitored. 
• If you think you have seen this plant pease report it. 

Resources

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has performed a Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Camelthron, download here. 

For more historical background on camelthorn check out the Invasive Species Compendium datasheet on Alhagi maurorum (camelthorn) here. 

Header photo (Umm Bab).