Xanthium strumarium Cocklebur (Compositae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Xanthium strumarium
Cocklebur
(1 Page of 5)

The Xanthium strumarium plant species is found in A cosmopolitan plant, a locally established casual in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Compositae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Cocklebur. Some home gardeners know the variety as X. canadense. Mill.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Xanthium strumarium
Common Name:  Cocklebur
Family:  Compositae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Poisonous[65, 76]. Most members of this genus are toxic to grazing animals and are usually avoided by them[222]. The seed also contains toxins[222].

Mature Height:  0.75   Mature Width:  0.4

Habitat:  River banks, lake shores, cultivated ground and pastures[50].

Medicinal Information: The leaves and root are anodyne, antirheumatic, appetizer, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, laxative and sedative[61, 147, 178, 222]. The plant is considered to be useful in treating long-standing cases of malaria[240] and is used as an adulterant for Datura stramonium[61]. An infusion of the plant has been used in the treatment of rheumatism, diseased kidneys and tuberculosis[257]. It has also been used as a linament on the armpits to reduce perspiration[257]. The fruits are anodyne, antibacterial, antifungal, antirheumatic and antispasmodic[238]. They are used internally in the treatment of allergic rhinnitus, sinusitis, catarrh, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, constipation, diarrhoea, lumbago, leprosy and pruritis[238, 257]. They are also used externally to treat pruritis[238]. The fruits are harvested when ripe and dried for later use[238]. The root is a bitter tonic and febrifuge[240]. It has historically been used in the treatment of scrofulous tumors[222]. A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of high fevers and to help a woman expel the afterbirth[257]. A decoction of the seeds has been used in the treatment of bladder complaints[257]. A poultice of the powdered seed has been applied as a salve on open sores[257].

For further Xanthium strumarium gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future