Скачать или смотреть Cocklebur Seedlings Can Be Toxic!

In Oklahoma, cocklebur seedlings start growing in March and April. The burs and first two leaves, the cotyledons, are toxic to cattle, horses, pigs, poultry, and sometimes sheep and goats. Luckily, at the 4-leaf stage they are no longer dangerous to eat.

Herbicides are not recommended because many poisonous plants are still toxic once killed with herbicide. In some cases herbicides can even increase plant palatability and animal consumption.

Instead, make sure animals have adequate forage available by using conservative stocking rates. Or, during the spring, avoid using pastures with cocklebur, often found along creeks or near pond edges. If herbicide spot treatments are needed, use products that contain aminopyralid like Milestone® or GrazonNext® and apply them before plants are 1 ft. tall. Summer prescribed fire is also effective in controlling cocklebur. Cocklebur seeds can live in the soil for up to 3 years so recheck treated or burned areas.