Utah weeds · Summer annual · peak July – October
How to get rid of Goathead (Puncturevine) in Utah
How to recognize Goathead (Puncturevine) (sticker weed)
- A flat, low mat of ferny, slightly hairy leaves spreading from one center
- Tiny yellow, five-petal flowers
- Hard, spiny burrs that split into sharp “goat head” pieces
- Often found in cracks, gravel, driveway edges and compacted soil
Why it thrives in Utah
Goatheads love hot, dry, hard ground, so they show up along driveways, in rock beds, and on the edges of sidewalks and roads. One plant can drop a large number of burrs, and the seeds inside can stay in the soil for several years, which is why they seem to return every summer.
How to remove it by hand
- Pull plants while they are still green, before any burrs harden. The taproot is shallow, so the whole mat comes up.
- Lift from the center and work around the plant so you take every stem along with it.
- Check under the mat for burrs that already formed and pick them up with gloves. A fine rake or a magnet-style sweeper helps on hard ground.
- Bag the plants and burrs. Do not leave pulled plants lying on the ground.
- Check the same spots weekly through summer, because new seedlings keep sprouting.
When to pull it
They sprout as the soil warms in late spring and keep producing through the fall. Weekly pulling in summer keeps burrs from ever forming.
How to keep it from coming back
- Cover bare ground with mulch or rock-over-fabric that is kept clean.
- Pull seedlings out of cracks and gravel as soon as you see them.
- Check your shoes, tires and pets’ paws after walking through a patch, so burrs do not travel.
Want the full story? Read our in-depth guide: Goatheads in Utah: How to Remove Puncturevine Before It Ruins Your Summer.
Goathead (Puncturevine) FAQs
When do goatheads sprout in Utah?
Typically in late spring as soil warms, and they can keep sprouting through summer. Burrs start forming a few weeks after the plants get going, so early and regular pulling matters.
How do I get rid of goathead burrs already on the ground?
Remove the plants first, then pick up or sweep the burrs by hand with gloves. Pulling next season’s seedlings early is what stops the cycle.
Can goatheads hurt my dog?
The burrs can lodge in paws and fur. Check your dog’s feet after walks through weedy areas, and keep the yard as free of burrs as you can.
Skip the pulling
A weeder from Utah Weed Pullers can handle goathead (puncturevine) for you: one visit a week, pulled by hand with no sprays, from $322 a month. We serve all of Utah County and Salt Lake County, including Lehi, Provo, Orem, Draper, Sandy, South Jordan, American Fork, Salt Lake City. See every city.