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Xanthium_spinosum - L.

Common Name Spiny Cocklebur
Family Asteraceae or Compositae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards Poisonous[65, 76]. Most members of this genus are toxic to grazing animals and are usually avoided by them[222]. The seed also contains toxins[222].
Habitats Naturalized in waste ground in N. America[235].
Range S. America. A locally established casual in Britain[17].
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Xanthium_spinosum Spiny Cocklebur


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Xanthium_spinosum Spiny Cocklebur
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Xanthium_spinosum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The whole plant is an active styptic for both local and general application[4]. It is said to be a valuable and sure specific in the treatment of hydrophobia[4]. The plant is also diaphoretic, diuretic and sedative[61]. An infusion of the root has been used as an emetic[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils but requires a sunny position. Plants often self sow.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ. The seed requires plenty of moisture in order to germinate.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

SOUTHERN AMERICA: Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina), Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Xanthium spinosumSpiny CockleburAnnual0.5 6-9  LMHNM010

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

17

Links / References

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