Camelthorn
(Alhagi pseudalhagi)
Camelthorn is an erect perennial shrub that grows from 1 1/2 to 4 feet tall. The stems are hairy when the plant is young and as it matures they become smooth and branched with sharp yellow-tipped spines up to 1 3/4 inches long. Leaves are blue-green in color with smooth edges and are lance-shaped. They are more apparent on lower branches. Flowers are found towards the ends of the branches on short stalks of spines or small branches. Flowers are peashaped in clusters of one to eight with a brown to reddish-purple color.
Camelthorn has not been observed in Colorado. Please find the current North American distribution map by clicking on the image below.
Access the USGS INHABIT suitability model for Camelthorn in Colorado by clicking the image below.
INHABIT is an online tool created by the USGS that provides species distribution models for various invasive plant species. The models associate known occurrences of a species with environmental characteristics to create maps that predict habitat suitability, and these maps can be used to assess the potential spread of noxious weeds. Learn more about INHABIT: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/fort-collins-science-center/science/inhabit-a-web-based-decision-support-tool-invasive