Cenchrus longispinus
grassy weedUSDA zones 4–10Active: summerSummer annual with painfully spiny seed burs. Common in sandy, drought-stressed lawns. The burs stick to shoes, clothes, and pet fur.
Spiny burs on seed heads (extremely sharp); flat, spreading stems; narrow, folded blades; sandy or thin turf locations.
Sandbur thrives in sandy, drought-stressed, thin turf. Irrigate and fertilize.
When: Address soil health and irrigation; overseed
Mowing spreads burs. Rake or hand-remove plants with burs before mowing.
When: Before each mowing when sandbur is present
Pre-emergent that can reduce sandbur germination.
When: Apply in spring before soil reaches 55F (soil ≥ 55°F)
Most effective approach is preventing germination.
When: Apply when soil temperature reaches 55F (soil ≥ 55°F)
Active ingredient: Prodiamine — e.g. Barricade
Grass safety: always match herbicides to your grass species — products safe on Kentucky bluegrass can kill St. Augustine or centipede. Lawn Guardian checks this automatically against your lawn profile.
Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.
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