Canada cocklebur
Xanthium commune
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Xanthium commune is a ANNUAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Low ground, stream banks, waste places, cultivated land etc.
Eastern N. America - southwards from Quebec and Saskatchewan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed. It is dried, then ground into a powder and mixed with cereal flours when making bread, biscuits etc. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it is likely to succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils but requires a sunny position. Plants often self sow.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. The seed requires plenty of moisture in order to germinate.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Poisonous. Most members of this genus are toxic to grazing animals and are usually avoided by them. The seed also contains toxins.