Overview

Xanthium spinosum is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Xanthium, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Xanthium spinosum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, wildflower meadows and cottage and informal gardens.

About

Xanthium spinosum, commonly known as spiny cocklebur, is a clump-forming deciduous plant within the genus Xanthium of the Asteraceae family. It thrives in full sun and prefers a south-facing aspect with exposure to open conditions. This cultivar grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for wildlife gardens, wildflower meadows, and cottage or informal garden settings, with its season of interest spanning spring and summer.

About the genus

Xanthium (cocklebur) is a genus of flowering plants in the tribe Heliantheae within the family Asteraceae, native to the Americas and eastern Asia and some parts of south Asia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Xanthium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Xanthium

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Xanthium

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Exposed

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Xanthium spinosum size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadows, Cottage and informal gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Xanthium spinosum

Propagation

Seed

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions