Devil’s Claw – Identification
Q: What kind of flower is this in the wildflower garden at my home? The plant is sticky and has a funny smell.
A: Photos of this distinctive plant were originally sent to me by Vicki H., who had queried everyone she knew about it. It sprouted under her birdfeeder. The orchid-like flowers, sticky leaves and odd seed pods were like nothing she (or I) had ever seen.
After much online discussion, she identified it through a friend in Germany.
It is devil’s claw, Proboscidea louisianica
This annual plant is native to the Southwest. The oddly-shaped seeds cling to animals, which spread them far and wide.
It comes back from seed each year so you can control it simply by pulling the seedlings as necessary.
see
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/333/