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DESCRIPTION:
Longspine sandbur, a summer annual grass, occurs sporadically throughout the
western states and favors sandy or well-drained soil. Seedlings closely
resemble those of barnyardgrass. The cotyledon (seedling leaf) is flattened and has a purplish tinge at the bottom. The most distinctive
characteristic for seedling identification is the bur, from which the young plant emerges. It
may be found by digging carefully around the roots. Mature plants are
branched, usually spreading in mats. Flower clusters contain burs that are
yellowish green, turning to a light brown when they mature. Up to 40 burs
may occur in a cluster that is partially enclosed by a leaf sheath.
Grass ID illustration.
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