Some Common Plants of Upper Newport Bay

Cocklebur  (Xanthium strumarium)
Plant: Coarse, vigorous, 4 foot annual with bur like seed pod.
Flower/Seed pod: Male and female flowers are on different flower heads on the same plant.  Female flowers are clustered below the male flower heads.  Seeded is a bur 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches long with many hooked spines.  There are two incurved hooks at the end of the bur.  The seedlings and seeds are poisonous. 
Leaf: Heart shaped, 4 inches long, green on both sides.  Irregularly toothed, thick and sand papery.  Leaf stems are about the same length as the leaves.
Flowering period:   July to October
Use by Indians:  Leaves were used as wraps to cook other food.
Can be found here:  Big Canyon, Back Bay Dr., Interpretive Center.
Native Plant: Yes Halophyte: No
Family Name: Sunflower
Click on Picture for enlarged version

Date: 10/17/2005