Is Spiny Cocklebur safe for pets?

No, Spiny Cocklebur (Xanthium Spinosum) is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets.

Is Spiny Cocklebur easy to care for?

Spiny Cocklebur has a medium care difficulty rating. It requires low to medium watering and full_sun or partial_shade light.

Can Spiny Cocklebur grow indoors?

Spiny Cocklebur is primarily an outdoor plant and may not thrive indoors without specialized conditions.

Spiny Cocklebur (Xanthium Spinosum) is a annual herb in the Asteraceae family with moderate care difficulty. It requires low to medium watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 7-11. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

Xanthium spinosum is a rigid, much-branched annual herb known for its spiny burrs and invasive nature.

Last updated: February 2026

Spiny Cocklebur

Xanthium Spinosum

Xanthium spinosum is a rigid, much-branched annual herb known for its spiny burrs and invasive nature.

Quick Facts

Type

herb

Lifecycle

annual

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Water Needs

low to medium

Light

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Hardiness Zones

7-11

Safety

⚠️

Not Pet Safe

⚠️

Not Child Safe

☠️

Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:loamy, sandy, gravelly

Indoor:No

Outdoor:Yes

Garden Use:groundcover, erosion control

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Spiny Cocklebur

Jan

Prune

Feb

Fertilize

Mar

Repot

Apr

Water+

May

...

Jun

...

Jul

...

Aug

...

Sep

...

Oct

...

Nov

...

Dec

...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

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Taxonomy

Family:Asteraceae

Genus:Xanthium