Life cycle
Common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), also called rough cocklebur, is a non-native summer annual plant.
Growth habit
Large 2 - 4 ft. high plant with rough, sandpapery, maple-shaped, alternate leaves; stem often purple-spotted; inconspicuous green flowers in leaf axils followed by distinct 1/2 in. prickly burs with hooks.
Reproduction
Reproduces by seed and can be carried long distances because of hooked burs.