Sandburs and sandspurs are often confused due to their similar names and characteristics, but they are distinct weeds with unique features and control methods. Understanding the differences between sandbur vs sandspur is essential for effective weed management in lawns, pastures, and recreational areas.

What is a Sandbur?

Sandburs (Cenchrus spp.) are annual or perennial grasses that produce spiny burs, which can attach to clothing, animal fur, and skin. They thrive in sandy soils and are commonly found in disturbed areas, lawns, and pastures. Sandburs are known for their aggressive growth and ability to outcompete desirable plants.

What is a Sandspur?

Sandspurs, also known as sandburs or grass burrs, belong to the same genus (Cenchrus) as sandburs. They are characterized by their spiny burs, which can cause discomfort to humans and animals. Sandspurs are particularly problematic in sandy soils and warm climates, where they can quickly spread and dominate an area.

Key Differences Between Sandbur vs Sandspur

1. Growth Habit
Sandburs are typically annual grasses, completing their lifecycle within a single growing season. This means they germinate, grow, produce seeds, and die within a year. Their annual nature makes them somewhat easier to manage, as preventing seed production can significantly reduce future infestations.

On the other hand, sandspurs can be either annual or perennial, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Perennial sandspurs have a more persistent growth habit, regrowing from their root systems year after year. This makes them harder to control, as they can survive and spread even if their above-ground growth is removed.

2. Burs
Both sandburs and sandspurs produce spiny burs, but the burs of sandspurs are often larger and more rigid. These burs are designed to attach to animals, clothing, or skin, aiding in seed dispersal. The larger size and sharper spines of sandspur burs make them more painful to handle and more likely to cause discomfort.

In contrast, sandbur burs are generally smaller and less rigid. While they can still attach to surfaces and cause minor irritation, they are less likely to cause significant discomfort compared to sandspur burs. This difference in burs can also affect the ease of removal and cleanup in infested areas.

3. Leaf Structure
Sandburs have narrower leaves, which are typically grass-like in appearance. Their slender leaves allow them to blend in with other grasses, making them harder to identify until they produce their characteristic burs. This narrow leaf structure also contributes to their ability to compete for sunlight in dense turf or pasture settings.

Sandspurs, however, tend to have broader and more robust leaves. Their foliage is often more noticeable, standing out against other grasses or plants. The broader leaves of sandspurs enable them to capture more sunlight, giving them a competitive edge in areas with dense vegetation.

4. Root System
Sandspurs generally have a more extensive and deeper root system compared to sandburs. This extensive root system allows them to access water and nutrients from deeper soil layers, making them more resilient to drought and other environmental stresses. It also makes them harder to control, as removing the entire root system is necessary to prevent regrowth.

Sandburs, being annuals, have a less developed root system. Their roots are typically shallower and less extensive, making them easier to pull or hoe out. However, if left unchecked, sandburs can still produce a large number of seeds, leading to future infestations.

5. Seed Production
Sandspurs are prolific seed producers, often generating more seeds per plant than sandburs. This high seed production contributes to their rapid spread and persistence in infested areas. Even a single sandspur plant can produce hundreds of seeds, ensuring its presence in the following growing season.

While sandburs also produce seeds, their seed production is generally lower compared to sandspurs. However, sandburs can still produce enough seeds to cause significant infestations, especially in areas with poor turf or pasture management. Preventing seed production is key to controlling both weeds.

Control Methods for Sandbur vs Sandspur

1. Cultural Control
Maintaining a healthy lawn or pasture through proper fertilization, irrigation, and mowing can help prevent both sandburs and sandspurs from establishing. A dense, healthy turf or pasture can outcompete these weeds, reducing their ability to take hold.

2. Mechanical Control
Hand-pulling or hoeing can be effective for small infestations of both weeds. However, care must be taken to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth. For sandspurs, this is particularly important due to their extensive root systems.

3. Chemical Control
Selective herbicides like Image Kills Sandspur, Atrazine, and Sedgehammer are effective against both sandburs and sandspurs. Non-selective herbicides like Roundup Pro Max can be used for spot treatments in non-crop areas.

4. Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Applying pre-emergent herbicides like Specticle can prevent the germination of sandbur and sandspur seeds, providing long-term control. This is especially important for sandspurs, given their high seed production.

Conclusion

While sandburs and sandspurs share many similarities, understanding their differences is crucial for effective weed management. Both weeds can be controlled through a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. For best results, identify the weed correctly and choose the appropriate control strategy based on its growth habit and lifecycle.