Description
Desert spike is a rather
succulent, erect, annual plant reaching a height of
14 to 15 inches. The plant branches from the base.
Leaves are numerous, linear in shape and up to 1 inch
in length. The species is the only plant of the mignonette
(Resedaceae) family in Texas.
Distribution and Habitat
This plant is generally
found on salt and clay flats, about boulders and on
gravel bars along streams in the Rio Grande Valley
and Trans-Pecos regions of Texas. The plant grows
from Texas to California and south into northern Mexico.
Regions: 6, 7,
10.
Toxic Agent
The toxic agent involved
in desert spike poisoning is not known. Only cattle
are know to have been poisoned by this plant in Texas.
Feeding trials have shown that both seedling and mature
plants are toxic to calves when fed 2.5 % of their
body weight of desert spike per day for 2 to 12 days.
