This weed prefers warmer regions because it is a C4 plant. The leaves are alternate, triangular to heart-shaped, rough on both sides with long petioles. The margins of the leaves are coarsely toothed.
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.