What Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of Cockleburs…
Sally Asked
What is the best way to get rid of cockleburs from the garden?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Sally: Cocklebur (Xanthium) belong to the Asteraceae family. These annual weeds are commonly found in pastures and ditches. They can be a real nuisance and pose a threat to any livestock. Cockleburs flower during the late summer into the fall and eventually the hard spiny burrs develop, usually containing two seeds each. One of these seeds will germinate this spring and the second will not germinate until the following spring. Not allowing them to flower is key to eliminating seed dispersal, which is its only means of reproduction. Unfortunately these burrs will attach themselves to anything they touch so distribution is not limited. Effective control methods will depend on individual situations but spot spraying with a pre-emergent as well as a post-emergent herbicide such as Round-up containing 2,4-D and or glyphosate, specifically made for broadleaf weeds, is an option. Corn gluten is an organic option as a pre-emergent. As with all pre-emergents they do not allow seeds to germinate so it should not be used where you have intentionally planted seeds. These plants have taproots so hand digging is not the best option. Mowing the area, if possible, will prevent the weeds from flowering, which will prevent future plants but not for immediate control. It will take a few years to eliminate these weeds but keep in mind that weeds are easier to control as they first emerge.
