Scout Info Kentucky IPM Pest Information Pages Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) Cocklebur is a warm-season annual broadleaf weed with long, thick and narrow cotyledons. The leaves of seedling cocklebur plants are oblong shaped with toothed edges. The leaves may appear to be oppositely arranged on the stem, but close examination will show that the leaves are alternate. The stems and leaves of the cocklebur take on a rough feel as they mature. The fruit, or bur, is covered with hooked prickles and contains two seeds. The seeds are easily spread because the burs stick to the fur of animals or the clothing of humans and are carried far from the original plant.

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