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Noogoora burr

Xanthium occidentale or pungens
Landscape: , , | Plant Form:
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Noogoora burr is an annual herb which grows up to 2.5 metres tall with two growth forms; erect single stemmed or many branched and spreading.

It has an extensive root system and is toxic to stock.

Stems are rough to touch with short stout upward directed hairs, green and usually blotched or streaked purple.

Leaves are dark green and similar in shape to grape vine leaves, about 15cm in diameter.

Flowers are green and occur in inconspicuous clusters around leaf axils.

The fruit is a hard woody burr with many hooked spines and two terminal beaks. Each burr contains two seeds, 6-10mm long.

The weed is spread by seed in burrs. Burrs are spread attached to animals, clothing and bags. Burrs float and are moved by water.

Noogoora burr prefers rich soils in unshaded areas and along watercourses.

It is native to the southern United States of America, Mexico and West Indies.  

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