Cocklebur Weed (Xanthium strumarium) Growing, Care, & Control Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 1st Feb 2024
- Plant Characteristics: A robust, annual herb known for its rough, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive, spiny burs. Common in disturbed areas, this plant is often considered a weed.
- Growing & Care: Thrives in a variety of soil types but prefers moist, nutrient-rich soils. Tolerant of both full sun and partial shade. Requires minimal care, often growing spontaneously in suitable conditions.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Handle with care as the plant can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested. The burs can latch onto clothing and animal fur. Generally not recommended for intentional cultivation in gardens, due to its invasive nature.
The Xanthium strumarium plant looks very similar to the common Burdock (Arctium minus). The main difference is that it is monoecious, with separate male and female flower heads, whereas the Burdock has perfect flowers.
It is an annual plant that can reach about 2 meters in height (6.5 feet).
Cocklebur plant photograph by Harry Rose; CC.
It thrives in pasture lands, cornfields, floodplains, and poorly drained areas.
Some of the common names for the plant include Rough cocklebur, Large cocklebur, or its often simply known as Cocklebur.
It has a preference for sunny and partially shaded areas with moist sandy loams.
Xanthium strumarium var. canadense (Cocklebur, kikania) photograph by Forest and Kim Starr.
The fruits are interesting. They carry two seeds; one can germinate in the next growing season, whilst the other will take at least two years to germinate.
Rough cocklebur photograph by Matt Lavin, Creative Commons.
Although this plant is wind pollinated it does attract certain insects to feed on them, so they can be grown in a wildlife garden (well away from mammals).
Some of the species attracted include many species of beetles such as the Ragweed Leaf Beetle and the larvae of the Sunflower Longhorn Beetle and Pale-headed Phaneta moth.
Other animals that dine on this plant include the Purple finch, which is known to feast on its toxic seeds.
Xanthium strumarium seedpods photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.
Invasiveness and Toxicity
This plant is highly toxic to mammals, especially young seedlings and the seeds themselves. These contain a toxin called as carboxyatratyloside, is reported as being toxic to humans. For these reasons it is not usually grown in the garden, especially in areas that are close to livestock.
Xanthium strumarium Var. Canadense seedlings, image by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.
Despite being a North American native it is still classified as an invasive species in many parts of the US. This is largely because of it having taproots and how easily the seeds can be spread; they cling to clothes and to animals.
Indeed it was the Cocklebur that acted as the inspiration for George deMastral, the inventor of Velcro.
Xanthium strumarium Medicinal Properties
Although it is a toxic plant it is associated with medicinal use.
The Native American tribe known as The Zuni often used a moist mass of the seeds to rub onto wounds. Interestingly despite being toxic the seeds are made into cakes by mixing them with corn flour.
It is also used in traditionally Chinese medicine, though in very lower quantities because of its toxicity.
Xanthium strumarium Rough cocklebur photograph by Katya, CC.
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Xanthium strumarium Guide
- Scientific Name: Xanthium strumarium.
- Common Name: Cocklebur, Common Cocklebur, clotbur, Woolgarie bur, Rough cocklebur.
- Growing Zone: USA: This is a Toxic Weed.
- Life Cycle / Plant Type: Annual.
Plant Details
- Plant Height: 15 to 200 cm (6 to 78 inches).
- Time of Bloom: Late summer through to mid-autumn.
- Flower Details: Green, Brown.
- Flower details: Flowers are compound. Male flowers up to 6 mm across (1/4 inch). Many florets. Female flowers up to 5 cm (1 1/2 inches) in length. Occur in Bur-like bracts, hence the name. Scentless.
- Leaf Foliage: Green, Leaves are opposite at first, then alternate. Triangular to ovate. Long petioles. Leaves to 15 cm (6 inches long).
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Best Light Conditions: Full sun, partial shade.
- Rate of Growth: Aggressive, spreads from taproots and seed.
- Suitable Soil Types: Sand, loam.
- Soil Moisture: Moist, Mesic.
Caring Conditions
- Level of Maintenance: Low.
- Propagation: Velcro like seed spreads by clinging to animals.
Further Information
- Can Attract: Beetles, Larvae.
- Tolerant of: Mammals.
- Best Garden Use: None.
- Family: Asteraceae (Compositae).
- Closely Related Species: Aster family so plants such as Achillea, Aster, Callistephus, Cosmea, Helianthus, Leontopodium, Liatris, Sanvitalia, Stokesia, Townsendia, and Zinnia.
- Miscellaneous: Weed. Dominant plant. Control mechanically by digging up prior to flowering. If plants have gone to seed then burning may be the only option. Can sometimes be controlled by herbicides. The genus Xanthium gets its name from the Greek word ξανθός, which means yellow, and refers to the yellow dye that can be made from the leaves of the plant.
- Further Reading and References: Weed guide and Common Cocklebur Guide.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Xanthium strumarium. You may also enjoy the following Aster family growing guides: How to grow China aster and Gazania plants.
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