Xanthium occidentale
Noogoora bur
Also known as:
Common cockle bur
Family: Asteraceae
Origin: North and South America
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- Whole region — Progressive containment, council delivered
- Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest
General description
Annual herb < 2.5 m tall. Taproot is shallow. Stems are blotchy purple and hairy. Leaves are large and serrated, with dark green tops and pale green undersides. Flowers are small and yellow. Burs are small, hard, brown, woody and hooked.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- You must not breed, distribute, release or sell noogoora bur within the Auckland region.
- You must not plant noogoora bur within the Auckland region.
Auckland Council will manage noogoora bur at all sites where it is known to occur.
If you see noogoora bur anywhere in the Auckland region, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Habitats
Pasture, cropland, plantations, wasteland, disturbed or open sites.
Dispersal
Seeds dispersed by water and attachment to animal pelts. Human-mediated dispersal through contamination of clothes and machinery.
Impact on environment
Nuisance pest of pasture and crops, especially maize. Poisonous to livestock and hooked burs cause sores in livestock mouths and hooves.
Control
Recommended approaches
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. Please report to Auckland Council.
Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
