Southern Sandbur: The Spiky Grass You Don’t Want in Your Garden
If you’ve ever stepped barefoot on a spiky, painful seed head while walking through a sandy area, chances are you’ve encountered southern sandbur (Cenchrus echinatus). Also known by several other names including burr grass, common sandbur, and ‘ume’alu, this annual grass is one plant that most gardeners would prefer to avoid rather than cultivate.
What Is Southern Sandbur?
Southern sandbur is an annual grass that belongs to the graminoid family – essentially grass and grass-like plants. Despite its innocent-sounding name, this plant is notorious for producing seed heads covered in sharp, barbed spines that can easily penetrate skin, clothing, and even thin-soled shoes. These painful burs are the plant’s way of ensuring seed dispersal, as they readily stick to anything that passes by.
Where You’ll Find It
Originally native to parts of the lower 48 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Navassa Island, southern sandbur has spread far beyond its native range. Today, you can find it growing in Alabama, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and various U.S. territories including Guam, Palau, and the Virgin Islands.
Interestingly, while native to some parts of the United States, it’s considered a non-native species in Hawaii, where it has established itself and reproduces without human intervention.
Habitat Preferences
Southern sandbur is remarkably adaptable when it comes to growing conditions. Its wetland status varies by region, but generally, it’s classified as an upland plant that rarely occurs in wetlands. However, in the Arid West and Hawaii, it’s considered facultative upland, meaning it usually grows in non-wetland areas but can occasionally tolerate wetter conditions.
This hardy grass thrives in:
- Sandy soils (hence the name sandbur)
- Disturbed areas
- Roadsides and pathways
- Beach areas and coastal dunes
- Open, sunny locations
Why Gardeners Should Avoid It
While some might appreciate a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance grass, southern sandbur is definitely not a plant you want to intentionally introduce to your landscape. Here’s why:
- Painful spines: The seed heads are armed with sharp, barbed spines that can cause painful injuries
- Limited aesthetic value: It offers little to no ornamental appeal
- Aggressive spread: As an annual that readily self-seeds, it can quickly take over disturbed areas
- Minimal wildlife benefits: While some birds may eat the seeds, the plant provides limited ecological value compared to native alternatives
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of tolerating southern sandbur, consider these native grass alternatives that offer beauty without the painful drawbacks:
- Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) for drought-tolerant lawns
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) for ornamental appeal
- Native bunch grasses specific to your region
- Sedges (Carex species) for low-maintenance groundcover
Managing Southern Sandbur
If you find southern sandbur growing in your garden, the best approach is removal before it sets seed. Since it’s an annual, preventing seed production will help control future populations. Hand-pulling is effective for small infestations, but be sure to wear thick gloves and long pants to protect yourself from the spines.
For larger areas, maintaining healthy, dense vegetation can help prevent southern sandbur from establishing, as it typically thrives in disturbed, open soil.
The Bottom Line
Southern sandbur is a reminder that not all plants make good garden companions. While it’s certainly hardy and well-adapted to challenging growing conditions, its painful spines and weedy nature make it a plant that’s better left to grow wild in appropriate habitats rather than welcomed into cultivated landscapes. Focus your gardening efforts on native plants that provide beauty, ecological benefits, and comfort for both you and local wildlife.
