// SPECIES PROFILE · GRASS · NATIVE

Grass bur

Cenchrus spinifex

Grass bur (Cenchrus spinifex) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, OK. Hardy in zones 4a–11b. Mature size 1"–32".

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: grass
Native range: Native to 20 U.S. states, including AL, AR, AZ, CA, DC, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 4a–11b
Mature size: 1"–32"
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: —
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Grass bur (Cenchrus spinifex) — *Cenchrus spinifex* — Grass bur. Photo by Macleay Grass Man via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Grass bur (Cenchrus spinifex) is a grass in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, OK. Hardy in zones 4a–11b. Mature size 1"–32". Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, grass bur pairs naturally with: Common Rush (Juncus effusus), Awlfruit sedge (Carex stipata), Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), Burgrass (Cenchrus longispinus).