common cocklebur

Xanthium orientale

The hooked burrs of the cocklebur served as the direct biological inspiration for the invention of Velcro by Swiss engineer George de Mestral.

Scientific name: Xanthium orientale
Taxonomy: Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Asterales › Asteraceae › Xanthium
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: increasing
Biome: grassland
Habitat: Disturbed fields, agricultural lands, riparian zones, roadsides, and lake shores.
Diet: Photosynthetic (sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and soil minerals).
Range: North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia
Size: 50 cm to 150 cm (20 to 60 inches) tall
Lifespan: 1 year (annual)
Active: diurnal
Threats: Herbicide use, agricultural tilling, and competitive invasive species management.
Safe to approach?: Defensive. The mature plant is safe to touch, but its hooked burrs cling aggressively to clothing and fur, causing severe tangles and mild skin irritation. Seedlings and seeds are highly toxic if ingested. If skin is scratched by burrs, wash the area with soap and water; if ingested by humans or livestock, seek immediate medical attention.

Xanthium orientale is a species of annual plant of the daisy family Asteraceae.

Photo: Fabien Piednoir, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist