Cenchrus spinifex

Similar to C. echinatus which has spine-like bristles confined to the lower part of the bur while the bristles of C. incertus spread from the upper part of the bur. Cenchrus myosuroides has bur bristles united into a shallow cup and a the body of the bur is much shorter than the spiklets, while the bristles of C. incertus are united into a pitcher-like structure (with a constricted throat) and the bur body is nearly equal to the spiklet. Pennisetum ciliare is sometimes included in this genus and may be confused with other members, however, its can be distinguished by its inner bristles which are feather-like.

The seed pods (burrs) contain multiple seeds. Fresh seed germinates rapidly.

The following information for the genus Cenchrus: Animals that eat its seeds: Pyrrhuloxia. Animals that eat the plant: White-tailed deer (Martin et al. 1951). Poor forage and poor wildlife value.

The sandbur is a well know nuisance to bare-footed beach-goers along the gulf coast. One of few sand dune stabilizing plants on the coast. The Cajun French name "racacha" is used for all of the sandburs (Holmes 1990).

Most abundant on sandy or sandy loam soils.