Longspine
Sandbur - Cenchrus longispinus
Family: Poaceae
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Description
Longspine sandbur is an annual grass. The leaf blades are smooth, flat
or rolled, 4-14 cm long, 3-7 mm wide. Leaf sheaths are usually glabrous
but sometimes are sparsely ciliate. The burs are borne in short spikes
along a zigzag rachis and fall off at a touch when ripe. The spines of
the burs are very sharp and each spine is microscopically backwardly barbed.
Interesting facts
Longspine sandbur has culms 2-6 dm tall, usually spreading and making
mats. It grows in cultivated fields, pastures, roadsides, and waste places.
It is generally more common on sandy land than on heavier soils.
The spiny burs can inflict painful and dangerous flesh wounds to man
and animals. They also can become lodged in fur or wool.
VIDEO
Links to more information
Website, video, and graphics by Rob Nelson
For more information on this plant or management please contact US Army Corp of Engineers
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