Cocklebur is the name of certain species of annual weeds belonging to the composite family. They all have spiny burs, and there are usually two seeds in each bur. One seed begins to grow a season before the other seed. Hooked prickles that cover the burs stick to clothing and fur. Cocklebur seedlings are poisonous and can kill hogs and young cattle that graze on them.
Cockleburs are native to North America. They are found in low areas in fields and by roadsides. Cockleburs grow from 1 to 3 feet (30 to 91 centimeters) tall, and their rough leaves are heart-shaped or irregular. Some of the flowers of the cocklebur bear pollen, while others develop burs that bear seeds. The pollen-bearing flowers grow on the upper branches, and the seed-bearing ones grow on the lower. To get rid of cockleburs, the plants must be destroyed before the seeds ripen.
