Question
These are scary looking. This is in the CA Sacramento Valley. The pods are very spiny with a seam down the back...about 3-4" long and 1" in dia. From each side at one end they have curved tusks about 6-7" long that grow out and to the sides at an angle...like Mammoth tusks. The plant itself looks like some sort of nettle or thistle. I've lived in this area for 30 years and never ran across these before. Nasty little buggers that grab ahold of your feet or ankles with the tusks.

Answer
Hello JJ, The common name of your plant is Devil`s Claw or Unicorn Plant. The were used by native Indian and are found growing wild from California to Florida. Ranchers do not like this plant because it can cripple a cow or horse if attach to their leg. The botanical name is Proboscidea Louisianica. Thanks John