Asteraceae

Xanthium spinosum

Common Names: Burr - Bathurst burr

Plant Form: Upright many-branched annual herb. Size: 30 cm to 1 m tall. Stem: Covered in short soft hairs, with 3 pronged spines at the base of each leaf. Leaves: 3 or 5 lobed spear-shaped dark green with 1-3 main whitish vein, felted underneath. Flowers: Pale green (male) or yellowish (female) surrounded by clusters of egg shaped bracts. Fruit and Seeds: Burrs around 10 mm long with hairs and hooked spines. Habitat: Exposed disturbed areas, grassland, woodland, water courses, rocky outcrops. Distinguishing Features: The 3 long spines at leaf bases distinguish from Noogoora Burr (Xanthium strumarium). Impacts: Contamination of crops or wool. Toxic to livestock when grazed (tends to only be grazed when seedling). Outcompetes other herbs.