Texas bullnettle, Mala mujer
Cnidoscolus texanus (Muell. Arg.) Small
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
Description
Texas bullnettle is a spiny, deep-rooted, herbaceous perennial in the Spurge family. It usually grows to 1 to 3 feet tall. The plant may have one to several spiny stems from a single root system. If a stem is broken, a milky white sap appears.
The leaves of bullnettle are dark green and located alternately along the stems. Each leaf is divided into five leaflets that are crinkled in appearance and covered with stiff, stinging hairs.
The flowers, which appear from April through September, consist of five to seven white, showy, petal-like sepals that are united below. The seeds are compartmentalized in a three- to four-celled fruit with a tough outer shell.
The forage value of bullnettle is poor for livestock and wildlife.
Habitat
Bullnettle is a very common plant found in all soil types across Texas. It is most common on sandy soils and disturbed areas and thrives in hot weather. It is a very aggressive competitor in improved pastures.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Flower Color: White
Seed Type: Bean/Pod
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Prickly, Spiny, or Thorny
Growth Habit: Forbs/Broadleaf
Leaf Shape
: Palmately Compound
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 01 - Pineywoods, 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 03 - Post Oak Savannah, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Brush and Weeds of Texas Rangelands (B-6208)
Collection: Brush and Weeds, Wild Flowers
