Common cocklebur
June 5, 2015
Xanthium strumarium L. Asteraceae (Aster family)
Life cycle
Erect, branching summer annual.
Leaves
Cotyledons are thick, fleshy, long and narrow. The first leaf pair is opposite; subsequent leaves are alternate. Leaves are triangular (widest at base) with toothed margins and 3 prominent veins, and are rough to touch.
Common cocklebur plant.
Stems
Green stems have purple or brown spots, are erect and branching, and can grow up to 5 feet tall.
Common cocklebur stem.
Flowers and fruit
Flowers are small and disappear soon after pollination. Fruit are very spiny, egg-shaped burs approximately .5 to 1.5 inches long. Two longer spines can be found at the tip of the bur. The two fruits are contained within each bur vary in their germination.
Common cocklebur fruit.
Reproduction
Seeds.
Common cocklebur seedling.
Toxicity
Seedlings and seeds can be toxic if ingested.
Print a PDF of this page: Common cocklebur
Other Documents in this Series
You Might Also Be Interested In
-
Student-led bird banding innovation spearheads continuation of data collection despite COVID-19
Published on March 16, 2021
-
MSU researcher awarded five-year, $2.5 million grant to develop risk assessment training program
Published on October 13, 2020
-
MSU named Top 10 agriculture and forestry college in new report
Published on March 23, 2021
-
MSU researchers analyzing novel technique to improve Michigan wine production
Published on June 16, 2021
-
MSU Product Center helps Michigan food entrepreneurs survive and thrive throughout pandemic
Published on August 31, 2021
-
Protecting Michigan’s environment and wildlife through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Published on September 1, 2021
Accessibility Questions:
For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.