Longspine Sandbur, Field Sandbur, Mat Sandbur, Sandbur
Cenchrus longispinus (Hack.) Fern.
Poaceae (Grass Family)
▲ mature plants
▲ ▼ inflorescences
▲ above 3 photos show collar and ligule region
Sandburs:
· group of warm-season annual grasses, usually growing about 6-18” tall, with somewhat to mostly spreading growth habit
· all produce spike inflorescences with spiked burs; spikes have barbs that cause burs to adhere to skin and clothing
· prefer dry sandy soils, but can grow anywhere
· found in cultivated soils, roadsides, non-crop areas, pastures—burs irritating to livestock
· two species found in Missouri are:
has more slender leaves, often reddish stem bases, and fewer, but broader based spines on burs than longspine sandbur
o longspine sandbur—
has broader leaves, greenish stem bases, with more, but more slender spines on burs than field sandbur