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How to Identify Cocklebur

Farmers can identify cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) by observing several specific and detailed characteristics:

Seedlings:

The first leaves are broad, lance-shaped, and smooth, typically about 1-2 cm long.
The stem below the first leaves is often green and smooth.

Leaves:

Shape: Cocklebur leaves are large, broad, and triangular to heart-shaped with irregularly toothed edges.
Texture: The leaves are rough and sandpapery to the touch.
Color: They are typically a dark green color.
Arrangement: Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem. The leaf stalk (petiole) is long and can be covered with short hairs.

Stems:

Height: Cocklebur can grow up to 5 feet tall.
Texture: The stems are stout, erect, and often have a rough texture.
Color: Stems are green but may have a reddish or purplish tinge.

Flowers:

Appearance: The flowers are small, greenish, and inconspicuous, forming in clusters at the leaf axils and stem tips.
Bloom Time: Flowers typically bloom from mid-summer to early fall.

Seed Pods (Burs):

Shape: The seed pods are distinctive, spiny burs that are oval-shaped and covered with hooked spines.
Size: Each bur is about 1 inch long.
Color: Burs are green when immature and turn brown as they mature.
Seeds: Each bur contains two seeds.

Roots:

Type: Cocklebur has a taproot system.
Depth: The taproot can penetrate deeply into the soil, making mature plants difficult to pull out.

Growth Habit:

Habitat: Cocklebur thrives in disturbed soils, such as agricultural fields, roadsides, and waste areas.
Lifecycle: It is an annual plant, completing its lifecycle in one growing season.

By closely examining these characteristics, farmers can accurately identify cocklebur and implement appropriate control measures.

Geographic Impact of Cocklebur

Cocklebur is a widespread and adaptable weed that impacts a variety of crops across diverse geographic regions in the United States and Canada. Here’s a detailed overview of its geographic impact:

United States:

Midwest: Cocklebur is prevalent in the Corn Belt, affecting major crops like corn and soybeans. States such as Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio see significant infestations.
South: In the Southern states, including Texas, Georgia, and Mississippi, cocklebur impacts cotton and soybean fields. The warm climate and long growing season favor its growth.
Northeast: While less common, cocklebur can still be found in states like Pennsylvania and New York, impacting vegetable and grain crops.
West: In states like California and Arizona, cocklebur can be found in irrigated fields and along waterways, affecting crops such as vegetables and cotton.

Canada:

Ontario and Quebec: Cocklebur is found in agricultural fields, particularly affecting corn and soybean crops.
Prairie Provinces: In Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, cocklebur can be found in disturbed soils and along waterways, impacting various crops.

Timing of Cocklebur Impact

Cocklebur typically emerges in the spring when soil temperatures reach around 60-70°F, which can vary depending on the region. In the United States, this generally means cocklebur starts to impact fields from late April to early May.

The weed continues to grow and compete with crops throughout the summer, peaking in its impact during the mid to late growing season.

Key Impact Periods:

Spring Emergence: Cocklebur seedlings begin to emerge in late April to early May.
Early Growth: During the early growth stages, cocklebur competes with crops for light, nutrients, and water.
Mid to Late Season: The weed's impact peaks as it grows taller and forms dense stands, significantly affecting crop yields and complicating harvest operations.

How to Manage Cocklebur in Corn and Soybean Fields

Farmers can chemically manage cocklebur in corn and soybean fields using herbicides such as AgSaver™ Glyphosate 53.8% and Willowood Paraquat 3SL*. AgSaver™ Glyphosate 53.8% contains glyphosate, isopropylamine salt, and is labeled for use on cocklebur in corn. Willowood Paraquat 3SL* contains paraquat dichloride and is also labeled for use on cocklebur in corn. These herbicides can be effective tools in an integrated weed management strategy to control cocklebur and minimize its impact on corn yields.

Photo Credit: Jan Samanek, Phytosanitary Administration, Bugwood.org

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This content was generated with the assistance of Norm℠, FBN’s artificial intelligence (AI) Ag Advisor, based on a dataset of information containing general industry best practices and research. The AI model did not use specific external sources to generate this content. Our process involves using AI to aid human subject matter experts with the initial drafting and/or refinement of content.

The information and content provided is believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. The content is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific agronomic, business, or professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such.

*Willowood Paraquat 3SL is a restricted use pesticide.

*RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE Due to acute toxicity. For retail sale to and use by certified applicators only – NOT to be used by uncertified persons working under the supervision of a certified applicator.

FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. and are available only in provinces where Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Not available in Quebec. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and provincial law to use any pest control product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pest control product is a violation of federal and/or provincial law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, provincial and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license and/or be a certified farmer, to use restricted and commercial pest control products (exceptions may apply based on province). Please consult your applicable provincial authority for complete rules and regulations on licensing, use, and recording keeping requirements of restricted and commercial pest control products.

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Cocklebur

Overview

Willowood Paraquat 3SL

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