Sandburs

Sandburs, also known as sandspurs, are the dried spiky seedheads of an invasive grassy weed found through the lower half of the United States. As an annual, it dies down each year, but its seeds lie in wait. Hand-pulling adult plants before they "bloom", and a pre-emergence pesticide are the best control.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Osceola Master Gardener FAQ: Controlling Sandburs
• Q&A: How do I get rid of sandburs in my yard?
• Sticky Sandspur

UF/IFAS Publications

• Coast Sandspur (Field Sandbur), Cenchrus incertus Curtis
• Principles of Weed Management
• Southern Sandspur (Southern Sandbur), Cenchrus echinatus L.

Other Sites

• Grassy Weeds--Clemson Extension
• Longspine Sandburs--Pacific Northwest Extension (PDF)
• PLANTS Profile: Cenchrus spinifex Cav. coastal sandbur--USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Sandspurs in Centipede Lawns--North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension