Pronounced (approximate): ZAN-thee-um stroo-MAIR-ee-um
A coarse annual recognized by its rough leaves and hooked, two-beaked burs. This guide uses the broad regional concept of Xanthium strumarium.
Common Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium): field photograph. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Asteraceae
Life cycle Annual
Blooms Late summer–early fall
Height 2 to 4 feet
Habitat Disturbed shores, floodplains, moist fields and sandy ground
Common names: Common Cocklebur · Rough Cocklebur
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Disturbed shores, floodplains, moist fields and sandy ground. Flowering season: Late summer–early fall.
Spiny Cocklebur has conspicuous three-part spines at the leaf bases. Taxonomic treatments split the common cocklebur complex differently; no variety or segregate species is assigned here.
Alternate leaves have long stalks and coarse teeth or shallow lobes.
Oval burs carry hooked prickles and two beaks at the tip.
Small greenish flower heads lack showy rays. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
4 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
The broad regional treatment includes native North American cockleburs; origin and distribution vary among segregate taxa.
Reported U.S. distribution
IL, CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
States listed here are a documented subset from the linked Illinois and New England sources, not a complete national range.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Common Cocklebur in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.