Sandburs produce painful spiny burs that stick to feet, pets, and clothing. They thrive in thin turf and sandy soils.
- Scientific name
- Cenchrus spinifex
- Type
- Summer annual grass
- Most visible
- July–October
How to Identify Field Sandbur
- Flat, light-green blades
- Spiny burs along the seed stalk
- Sprawling, mat-like growth
- Common in sandy or thin areas
When It Shows Up in Oklahoma Lawns
Germinates in late spring and early summer and sets burs from mid summer into fall.
How to Control Field Sandbur
- Apply a pre-emergent before seeds germinate (late winter for summer annuals, early fall for winter annuals)
- Bag clippings if burs are present to avoid spreading them
- Spot-treat with a selective herbicide labeled for the weed and safe for your grass type, following the label exactly
- Keep turf thick with proper mowing height, watering, and feeding so seedlings can't establish