Common cocklebur is an invasive annual herb, with several regional varieties, some possibly native to North America. Historically, the seeds were eaten by the Carolina parakeet, which is now extinct. Plants can reach 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall with thick, reddish or black spotted stems. Leaves are alternate, triangular, weakly 3-lobed and 1.2 to 7 in. (3 to 18 cm) long. Flowering occurs in July to October when flowers develop in the axils of the leaves. Fruit are ellipsoid burs. Burs are 0.6 to 1.4 in. (1.5 to 3.5 cm) long, green to yellowish brown, and covered with projecting, stout prickles. Cocklebur occurs in ditches, fields, riparian areas, pastures, croplands, seasonal wetlands, and other disturbed areas. Cocklebur is found worldwide. Some cocklebur species may be native to the Americas, but it has caused many problems in agriculture and both seeds and seedlings are toxic to livestock, making it an undesirable weed.
Asterales > Asteraceae > Xanthium strumarium L.
Synonym(s): cocklebur, cockleburr, rough cocklebur
Xanthium strumarium - USDA PLANTS Profile
Common cocklebur - The reported distribution of this invasive species across the United States (Source: Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States)
How to report an invasive species sighting to EDDMapS - Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System
EDDMapS - Report an invasive species to EDDMapS
Cooperative Extension Offices - Find your local Cooperative Extension office on this map provided by USDA.
This invasive species can be identified by looking for the characteristics described in the paragraphs that follow.
Plants can reach 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall with thick, reddish or black spotted stems.
|David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, bugwood.org||Robert Videki, Doronicum Kft., bugwood.org|
Leaves are alternate, triangular, weakly 3-lobed, and 1.2 to 7 in. (3 to 18 cm) long.
|Robert Videki, Doronicum Kft., bugwood.org||Bruce Ackley, Ohio State University, bugwood.org|
Flowering occurs in July to October when flowers develop in the axils of the leaves.
|Phil Westra, Colorado State University, bugwood.org||David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, bugwood.org|
Fruit are ellipsoid burs. Burs are 0.6 to 1.4 in. (1.5 to 3.5 cm) long, green to yellowish brown, and covered with projecting, stout prickles.
|John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, bugwood.org||Jan Samanek, State Phytosanitary Administration, bugwood.org|
- Images at invasive.org
- Images at invasive.org
Common cocklebur - Images at Invasive.org
Control and management recommendations vary according to individual circumstances. Location, habitat, weather, and a variety of other conditions are factors that help determine the best treatment choice. To find the safest and most effective treatment for your situation, consult your state's land-grant institution. If you will use chemicals as part of the control process, always refer to the product label.
United States Land-Grant University System - Find your land-grant university's college of agriculture, Cooperative Extension office, or other related partner on this map provided by USDA.
Element Stewardship Abstract - The Nature Conservancy
Identification: Weed Photo Gallery - IPM Online, University of California
Invasive Species Compendium (Beta) - cabi.org
USGS Weeds in the West project: Status of Introduced Plants in Southern Arizona Parks - USGS National Park Service
Xanthium strumarium - Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)