A Landowner’s Guide to Camelthorn

Camelthorn (Alhagi pseudalhagi, synonym: A. maurorum) is a perennial desert shrub native to India, western Asia, and southeastern Russia. It is believed to have been introduced in the United States through contaminated agricultural seeds in California. Since introduction, the species has spread to many western states. Camelthorn is listed as a noxious weed in many states, including Arizona where it is labeled as a Prohibited species (see “Non-native Invasive Plants of Arizona,” The University of Arizona Extension Publication #AZ1482 and Arizona Administrative Code R3-4-245). A noxious weed is one that is non-native to the ecosystem and has invasive characteristics.