Xanthium commune

Xanthium commune
Wikimedia Commons — Stefan.lefnaer — CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

At a glance

Lifecycle
Annual
Exposure
Full sun

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it is likely to succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils but requires a sunny position. Plants often self sow.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ. The seed requires plenty of moisture in order to germinate.

Edible uses

Seed. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat

Low ground, stream banks, waste places, cultivated land etc.

Native range

Eastern N. America - southwards from Quebec and Saskatchewan.

Same genus