Weeds - Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority

Regionally Controlled Weed
Bathurst Burr
Description: An erect herb with many branches, usually
30-60 cm tall. Can exceed 1 m tall in favourable conditions.
flowers: Inconspicuous creamy green flowers formed at the
end of stems and at leaf nodes during Summer.
leaves: Shiny dark green above and pale green and
downy underneath. Leaves are alternate and clasp the stem.
Prominent central vein.
stems: Greenish yellow and covered in fine hairs. Sharp
golden spikes to 2.5 cm shoot from the base of leaves.
fruit: Brown/straw coloured burr, 1-1.5 cm long. Covered
with small hooks. Usually single along stem.
Note: Burrs are one of the worst causes of vegetable
contamination in wool. Competes with desirable plants and
has vicious spikes, which cause damage to the feet of stock
and severe discomfort to people when handling wool.
similar Native species: Unlikely to be confused with native
species.
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Xanthium spinosum
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