Rough Cocklebur
Xanthium strumarium
Family: Asteraceae
This plant is actually a warm season annual that grows fast and large. In nature they are most often found along riparian areas in sandy soil, though they aren’t terribly picky about soil type. Just above their large leaves will appear the burs, which are almost like velcro.
These plants are loved by seed eating birds, and the plant is a larval host for the Crocale Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia ssp. crocale), and many moth species.
The seeds are edible roasted, and the plant is used to make a yellow dye. The leaves are used as a diruretic tea, but should not be consumed regularly—consistent use can be toxic.
There are about 9 species native to the Americas and eastern Asia and some parts of south Asia.
Found in moist, disturbed areas including fields, waste places, floodplains and lake beaches, below 7,500 ft. Widespread throughout the entire American continent, from Canada to South America.