Devil's Claw is found in sandy soils, cultivated fields, playas, abandoned areas and stream banks of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains. This bad smelling annual grows to a height of one to three feet. The leaves are 12 inches wide and are usually wider than they are long. The flowers are pinkish to pale lavender or dull white with purple to brown and yellow spots in the throat. The name comes from the odd fruit which is a curved pod that splits when dried and forms two claws. These claws attach readily to passing animals, which disperses the seeds. Devil's Claw blooms from June to September. |