Leaf underside is covered with dense grey-white tomentum. A strong invasive plant in pasture and open waste land. Seeds last many years in the soil and may germinate when soil is disturbed in apparently clean land. This plant is well adapted for dispersal as the hooked spines on the burs cling firmly to the wool or fur of animals, to their tails and manes and to packs, bags, clothing and any fibrous material. The burs also contaminate seeds of summer crops such as maize and sorghum, as well as bird seed and poultry feed.
Burs also float on water and are moved rapidly along watercourses.
Disposal Leave on ground if no seed set. Burn at high temperatures if burs have formed. Chemical Control Early control is essential in order to prevent the formation of burs.