| Author | L. | |
| Distribution | So far, known only from New Hanover, Brunswick, and Durham counties. First collected by G. McCarthy in 1885 without location.
Native of southern Europe and northern Africa; in N.A. throughout the U.S. and southern Canada. | |
| Abundance | Uncommon in New Hanover County, rare elsewhere. | |
| Habitat | Roadsides and medians, lawns of commercial businesses, weed in grass seed (Durham Co.). | |
| Phenology | Flowering and fruiting March-December. | |
| Identification | Ouch! The very sharp, penetrating spines of the fruits may be the first clue of its presence. Stems are green to reddish, sprawling on the ground, with 6-12 small leaflets per leaf. Flowers are tiny, about 5 mm across, yellow. Fruits have thick spines that jab shoes, clothing, skin, paws, tires, etc. | |
| Taxonomic Comments | | |
| Other Common Name(s) | | |
| State Rank | SE | |
| Global Rank | GNR | |
| State Status | | |
| US Status | | |
| USACE-agcp | | |
| USACE-emp | | |
