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Longspine Sandbur (Cenchrus longispinus)

Longspine sandbur is a member of the Grass family, Panicgrass tribe. Longspine sandbur is a non-native grass, introduced from Europe and reproduces by seed. Stems are 8 inches to 3 feet long, ascending or prostrate, and often form mats. Early the stems are erect and later they are reclining on the ground and much branched. The leaf sheaths are somewhat flattened, very loose, and smooth with hairy margins. Leaf blades are flat, smooth, 2 to 6 inches long, about 1/4 inch wide, dark green, and round on their margins. The plant has 10-30 burs with each bur about 1/4 inch in diameter and thickly set with stiff, barbed spines.

Longspine sandbur grows in cultivated fields, pastures, roadsides, and waste places, but favors sandy soil. It is widespread especially in the eastern half of Colorado from 3,500 to 6,500 feet. The burs cause mechanical injury in livestock and become entangled in sheep wool.

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