Cenchrus longispinus (Sandburs) - Annual

Size:

- This hugs the ground, forming dense, thorny mats

Leaves:

- Flat and narrow, with parallel margins

Stem:

- The stem is typically round, smooth and slightly flattened. There is often a bright purple-red color at the plant’s base

Flowers:

- These are in the grass family, and have spikelets, rather than flowers.

Roots:

- A small mat of roots under the plant.

Seeds:

- There are multiple spiny burs lining the stem tips to form seed heads. The seeds

are spread by the burs sticking to animal fur or people passing by.

Habitat:

- Sandy soil in the lower valleys

Control:

- Since it is an annual, the first method of control would normally be to prevent it from going to seed through digging it up or mowing early. However, because it is low to the ground an herbicide may need to be used.