Spiny Cocklebur (Xanthium spinosum)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Xanthium spinosum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Naturalized in waste ground in N. America. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)