// SPECIES PROFILE · ANNUAL · NATIVE

Rough cocklebur

Xanthium strumarium

Rough cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–13a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Aug–Oct.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: annual
Native range: Native to 50 U.S. states, including AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–13a
Mature size: 29"–6'
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: Aug–Oct
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Rough cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) — *Xanthium strumarium* — Rough cocklebur. Photo by George Chernilevsky via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Rough cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–13a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Aug–Oct.

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, rough cocklebur pairs naturally with: Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Virginia peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum), Poorman's pepperwort (Lepidium virginicum var. virginicum), Canada cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium var. canadense).