Xanthium strumarium is an annual that produces a conspicuous prickly 'cocklebur' and ranges from 0.5-6.5 ft. (0.2-2 m) in height. The relatively large, linear to oblong waxy cotyledons helps to distinguish this weed in the early stages of development.
Foliage
The first true leaves are opposite, all subsequent leaves are alternate. Leaves are triangular to ovate in outline, have stiff hairs, and are approximately 2-6 in. (5.1-15.2 cm) long. Leaves are irregularly lobed with leaf margins that have relatively inconspicuous teeth.
Flowers
Inconspicuous, greenish in color, arising from the area between the leaf petioles and the stems and at the ends of the erect stems.
Fruit
An elliptic to egg-shaped two-chambered bur, 0.5-1.5 in. (1.3-3.8 cm) long and covered with hooked prickles. Each bur contains two seeds, one that grows during the first year and one that grows a year later. Two prickles that are longer and wider than the remaining prickles project from the tip of the bur.
Ecological Threat
Xanthium strumarium is found throughout the United States and is primarily a weed of agronomic and horticultural crops, nurseries, and occasionally pastures.