Xanthium L. >

Burrs solitary or few together in the axils of alternate leaves, each burr containing 2 fruits Xanthium
consider the other alternative
Stems without spines
consider the other alternative
Leaves usually 3–5-lobed, ovate, 5–15 cm long, cordate at the base, petiole and veins purplish. Burrs ellipsoid, 16–18 mm long, with 2 larger terminal straight spines. Herb up to 2 m high with purplish stems. Widespread. Weed of cultivation and waste places, particularly along creek flats. Fl. summer–autumn. Noogoora Burr or Cockle Burr Xanthium occidentale