Cenchrus spinifex
Description: Annual, tufted. Culms 15-75 cm high, bent (genticulate0, occasionally stoloniferous. Blades 12-20 cm long, 1-2.5 mm wide, flat or folded, glabrous or scattered papillose base hairs on upper and lower surfaces, margins scabrous. Panicles with spikelets enclosed in tough, spiny burs, inflorescence axes 3-6 cm, angled and scabrous, burs 5-6 mm long, 4-4.5 mm wide, spines flat-based, recurved, spines and small bristles pubescent 2-3 spikelets per bur. Warm weather species.
Location: On roadsides playgrounds athletic fields and other disturbed sites.
Soil Type: Most soils
Trivia: Spiny burs are painful to the touch and difficult to remove from clothing and skin. Sticks on carpet, clothing and fur.
Economic, Environmental Importance: Weedy species. Cattle are known to eat it when plant is immature. Bobwhite quail will nest in it.
stxflora 