Family: Asteraceae Scientific name: Xanthium spinosum Description: Plant Form Upright many-branched annual herb. Size 30 cm to 1 m tall. Stem Covered in short soft hairs, with 3 pronged spines at the base of each leaf. Leaves 3 or 5 lobed spear-shaped dark green with 1-3 main whitish vein, felted underneath. Flowers Pale green (male) or yellowish (female) surrounded by clusters of egg shaped bracts. Fruit and Seeds Burrs around 10 mm long with hairs and hooked spines. Habitat Exposed disturbed areas, grassland, woodland, water courses, rocky outcrops. Distinguishing Features The 3 long spines at leaf bases. Impacts Contamination of crops or wool. Toxic to livestock when grazed (tends to only be grazed when seedling). Outcompetes other herbs.