Longspine Sandbur

Longspine Sandbur, Field Sandbur, Mat Sandbur, Sandbur

Cenchrus longispinus (Hack.) Fern.

Poaceae (Grass Family)

▲ mature plants

▲ ▼ inflorescences

▲ above 3 photos show collar and ligule region

Sandburs:

group of warm-season annual grasses, usually growing about 6-18" tall, with somewhat to mostly spreading growth habit
all produce spike inflorescences with spiked burs; spikes have barbs that cause burs to adhere to skin and clothing
prefer dry sandy soils, but can grow anywhere
found in cultivated soils, roadsides, non-crop areas, pastures--burs irritating to livestock
two species found in Missouri are:
- field sandbur
  - has more slender leaves, often reddish stem bases, and fewer, but broader based spines on burs than longspine sandbur
- longspine sandbur
  - has broader leaves, greenish stem bases, with more, but more slender spines on burs than field sandbur