Etymology: Xanthium: from a Greek word meaning "yellow"
Plants: erect, annual, 8"-18" tall forb
Leaves: long-stalked, widely oval to kidney-shaped and with a heart-shaped base
Flowers: head green; inflorescence of several heads at the ends of the stem and from the leaf axils; blooms Aug.-Sept.
Fruits: thick, dry seeds clustered in a 1/3" - 1 1/3" oblong bur with heavy, hooked prickles
Habitat: disturbed sites, fields
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 1, Wetland Indicator = FAC Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"