Flower heads are small, borne in the axils of leaves and ends of branches. Male and female flowers are separate. Male flowers are uppermost on the plant axis. The seed pod or bur is one complete flower head containing 2 female flowers. Cocklebur is a prolific seed producer that is easily spread because of its bur-like seed head.
Burs are irritant to livestock and humans and contaminate the wool of sheep.
Seed and seedlings contain a substance toxic to livestock. Scouting Techniques Take a minimum of 20 weed counts across the field. Check roadsides, pastures, waste areas, and low lying areas which are wet in spring and fall for patches of the weed. This is a very competitive weed.