Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium)

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

Xanthium strumarium is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves and young plants - cooked. They must be thoroughly boiled and then washed. Caution is advised, the plant is probably poisonous. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be used as a piñole. — Leaves and young plants - cooked.; They must be thoroughly boiled and then washed.; Caution is advised, the plant is probably poisonous.; Seed - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

River banks, lake shores, cultivated ground and pastures. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)