Spiny Cocklebur
Xanthium spinosum
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Xanthium spinosum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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): 0.5
Where it is found
Naturalized in waste ground in N. America.
S. America. A locally established casual in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The whole plant is an active styptic for both local and general application. It is said to be a valuable and sure specific in the treatment of hydrophobia. The plant is also diaphoretic, diuretic and sedative. An infusion of the root has been used as an emetic.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
Other
Rating: 0
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
How it is grown
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: 6-9
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.