Common Cocklebur

Cocklebur, Rough cocklebur

Height: 2-4 feet  

Flower Color: Very small, green or yellow-green (very inconspicuous)

Leaves: Alternate, hairy, rough-textured, somewhat heart shaped, toothed and lobed

Habitat: Right-of-ways, ditches, valley bottom lands, pastures, cultivated crop fields, orchards, riparian areas, wetlands, and disturbed areas

Growing Season: Germinates in late spring, grows rapidly during the summer, and flowers from July to September 

Best Time to Treat: Late spring to early summer  

• All classes of livestock can be poisoned following ingestion of seedlings in the cotyledonary stage
• The poisonous substance is hydroquinone
• The seeds are the most poisonous but are usually not eaten because of the protection of the burs
• The burs can also cause significant economic losses when in sheeps wool
• Burs are about 3/4 inches long and contain two seeds 
• Seeds germinate best after being soaked by water