Southern sandbur

Common Name:

southern sandbur

Scientific Name:

Cenchrus echinatus

Family:

Poaceae

Lifecycle:

Annual

Features

Growth habit: Upright growth habit. Two to three feet tall.; Stem: Leaf sheaths without hairs.; Leaf: Leaves can have long-hairs sparsely distributed along leaf edge or glabrous. Leaves have a scabrous/sandpaper like feel.; Collar: Liglue a fringe of hairs. Collar white in appearance. ; Inflorescence: A spike of spiny burs. Seedpods, or burs, easily detach onto clothing or animal fur.

Description

Most notable characteristic is small seedpod with spines. Does not produce seedhead until August. Stems can have a general reddish green appearance. Not common in mowed areas.