Cocklebur

WEEDS

GENUS/SPECIES

Xanthium strumarium

FAMILY

Asteraceae

SYNONYMS

Common: Rough Cocklebur, Common Cocklebur

DISTRIBUTION

Throughout most of US

Human Product Number - 33

Veterinary Product Number - 33

Comments

This species may grow to be over four feet tall in a variety of waste places and undisturbed areas, especially those that are moist. It has large triangular leaves that may be six inches long. The male flowers are found in clusters near the top of the plant, while the female flowers are located at the bases of leaves along much of the length of the plant. Pollination (by wind) occurs from July to September. The fruit is in the form of a bur covered with hooked spines, allowing it to be spread about by clinging to fur and other materials much as Velcro does.