Herb latin name: Xanthium commune


Synonyms: Xanthium italicum


Family: Compositae



Edible parts of Xanthium commune:

Seed. It is dried, then ground into a powder and mixed with cereal flours when making bread, biscuits etc. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
150 cm
(5 feet)

Flowering:
July to
October

Habitat of the herb:

Low ground, stream banks, waste places, cultivated land etc.

Propagation of Xanthium commune:

Seed - sow spring in situ. The seed requires plenty of moisture in order to germinate.

Cultivation of the herb:

Low ground, stream banks, waste places, cultivated land etc.

Medicinal use of Xanthium commune:

None known

Known hazards of Xanthium commune:

Poisonous. Most members of this genus are toxic to grazing animals and are usually avoided by them. The seed also contains toxins.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.