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coastal sandbur
Scientific Name: Cenchrus spinifex
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Annual, Perennial
Other Names:
Coastal Sandbur (Cenchrus spinifex)
Coastal Sandbur, scientifically known as Cenchrus spinifex, is a grass found in sandy and gravely habitats. It is also known as sand spur, Grass Bur, Field Sandspur, Southern sandbur, and Spiny Bur Grass. This plant is known for its spiny bracts.
Considerations for Pets
- This grass is known to have sharp, stiff spines on the seeds.
- The prickly seeds can cling to sheep wool, which can also potentially affect pets.
- The plant has spiny bracts.
Considerations for Children
- This grass is known to have sharp, stiff spines on the seeds.
- The plant has spiny bracts.
Common Names
- Scientific Name: Cenchrus spinifex
- Common Names: Coastal Sandbur, Sand Spur, Grass Bur, Field Sandspur, Southern Sandbur, Spiny Bur Grass, American Burr Grass, Bayonet Grass, Burr-Grass, Coast Sandspur, Matted Sandbur, Longspine Sandbur
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
- Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae)
- Synonyms: Cenchrus tribuloides, Cenchrus spinifex Cav. (Note: The text uses Cenchrus spinifex Cav. for both coastal sandbur and field sandbur, which suggests a need for clarification.) Cenchrus incertus
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to southern North America, Central, and South America.
- Found in the coastal states from Virginia to Texas, inland to Arkansas, and occasionally as far north as New England.
- Prefers sandy and gravely habitats.
- Grows throughout Texas in various soil types.
Ecological Role
- Considered an undesirable and invasive grass species.
- An aggressive colonizer, especially in the southern United States.
- Can harm sheep farming because the prickly seeds cling to sheep wool, reducing its quality.
Morphological Characteristics
- An annual or perennial grass that grows from 5 to 30 inches high.
- Identified as a yellow-green grassy weed.
- Has spiny bracts (forming an involucre) that protect the flowers within.
- Blades are flat and feel like sandpaper (likely referring to Cenchrus insertus, another sandbur species).
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Provides poor grazing for wildlife and livestock.
- The prickly seeds cling to sheep wool, reducing its quality and causing damage when eaten.
Resources and Further Information
- USDA PLANTS Database: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CESP4
- USF Herbarium Specimen
- Discover Life
- Dave's Garden