Sandbur

Sandbur is an annual, sometimes perennial, grass that is a common weed in poorly-maintained lawns and open areas. The green-yellow blades grow from 6 inches to 2 feet tall and are ¼ inch wide. A spiny, yellowish bur forms at the top of the stem, making the plant painful to step on. Sandbur germinates in the spring and grows throughout summer into fall. Sandbur spreads quickly from seeds, as it can produce up to 1,000 seeds per plant.

Location

Sandbur prefers sandy, well-drained soils and is most common in Southern states.
 

Related or Similar Plants

Sandspur, Burgrass, Field Sandbur

Cultural Solutions

  • Pull and remove when weeds are young. Plants will re-root easily.
  • Mulch heavily in landscape beds.