Xanthium strumarium THE AMAZING
COCKLEBUR
Probably everyone has gotten
cockleburs in their socks or clothing, especially if you enjoy
walking in riverbed areas or along cultivated fields and moist
pastures. Cocklebur plants (Xanthium strumarium) produce hundreds
of little football-shaped burs, about one inch (2.5 cm) long and
covered with stiff, hooked spines. [Another species that is less
common but widespread across North America is called spiny
cocklebur (X. spinosum). Spiny cocklebur is unmistakable with its
stout, forked spines at the base of each leaf.] Each cocklebur
fruit contains two seeds that may remain viable for many years. The
prickly burs hook into your clothing and become tightly attached,
like the Velcro® fasteners on shoes and day packs. Often the
vicious burs form tangled clots in the fur of animals, and must be
cut out of the hair. In fact, these remarkable burs have enabled
the cocklebur plant to hitchhike all over the world.You may not see
cocklebur in this location but you probably will see Poison
Ivy!
Located on Private property with
permission, Cache is a large Ammo can with a log book. pencil FTF,
and lots of trading goodies that kids will enjoy.Please do not park
on the busy highway but use the service road.
