Solanum rostratum

An aggressive and fiercely armed native annual, Solanum rostratum is famous for its dense armor of sharp yellow spines covering its stems, leaves, and seed-bearing burs. Known historically for thriving in the heavily disturbed soil of bison wallows, this resilient nightshade features strikingly asymmetrical bright yellow blossoms and demonstrates an ingenious tumbleweed-like mechanism for seed dispersal when mature.

Indigenous groups historically utilized parts of the plant for traditional medicine; notably, some cultures prepared formulations from the plant to treat persistent coughs, while others carefully managed its presence due to its potent, toxic glycoalkaloid properties.