Alfombrilla (Drymaria arenarioides), a short-lived but highly toxic, perennial range weed, is native to north-central Mexico. Although it is not known to exist within the United States, it occurs perhaps less than 80 miles South of Arizona's border and 1/4 mile south of New Mexico's border.

This range weed invades over grazed land which may be already stressed by drought conditions. Its toxins (saponins) are extremely poisonous to cattle, sheep, and goats (but not to horses). Symptoms of Alfombrilla poisoning usually include the following stages: loss of appetite, diarrhea, restlessness, arching of animal's back, depression, coma, and death. It is said that less severe cases of poisoning recovery may take about two days.

A non-woody range weed, growing from four to ten inches in height, its grey-green, sticky foliage has small, needle-like leaves, with white flowers, and brown, pinhead-sized seeds. Spring and summer rains trigger its blooming seasons.

This plant is a perpetual threat to U.S. rangelands, as its tiny seeds may hitchhike into Arizona on the hooves or hides of Mexican cattle. Even stock trucks and railroad cars may become contaminated with Alfombrilla seeds.

The public's assistance is needed in order to prevent the outbreak and spread of this highly toxic menace. Please report all suspected weed species to the Arizona Department of Agriculture (Tucson office: 520-628-6317).

This article was prepared from literature supplied by the Arizona Department of Agriculture.