Species Long Spine Sandbur
yellow-lime spikelets with green stems

Long Spine Sandbur

Cenchrus longispinus

Long Spine Sandbur is an annual grass that is native to the Great Plains of North America. Its scientific name is Cenchrus longispinus and it typically consists of a single thin stem around 6 to 8 inches tall. Its leaves are bright green with white stripes and its seed heads are crowned with long, bristly spines that can be up to 3 inches long. The seeds are highly nutritious and are eaten by a variety of songbirds, while the leaves are favored by jackrabbits and other game animals. The plant is drought tolerant and a great way to attract pollinators and wildlife to your garden.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Tillering,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Long Spine Sandbur should be watered when the soil begins to feel dry to the touch. This species of plant should be watered deeply once a week, preferably in the morning. To ensure that the water is penetrating the roots, sprinkle it at the base of the plant. It is important not to overwater this species, as it is more prone to root rot and other problems associated with wet soil. If you are unsure, feel free to let the soil dry out a bit more than usual between watering sessions.

sunlight

Long Spine Sandbur (Cenchrus longispinus) prefers full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Additionally, Long Spine Sandbur will benefit from some afternoon shade on particularly hot days. Long Spine Sandbur can tolerate short-term drought, but should be watered regularly to prevent any long-term wilting.

pruning

Pruning of Long Spine Sandbur should be done every year in the late winter or early spring. The goal of pruning is to thicken the plant's stems and encourage more branching, making it look bushy and fuller. It's best to remove any dead or damaged stems and if you desire, lightly prune the healthy stems to a height of 3 to 4 inches. However, do not prune too severely, or the plant can suffer from plant shock. Be sure to check the plants periodically during the growing season for maintenance pruning. If needed, cut back any leggy-looking stems that are significantly taller than the rest of the plant.