California-bur
Xanthium strumarium
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
SD
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
A sturdy annual forb that grows 1-4 feet tall with broad leaves and small greenish flowers from July through September. This plant produces distinctive spiny seed pods that can stick to clothing and animal fur. It thrives in full sun with average moisture and establishes quickly from seed.
In an HOA neighborhood
California-bur takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Classified as noxious weed
- Produces painful spiny burrs
- Looks extremely weedy and unkempt
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does California-bur fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.