Sanddune Sandbur

Cenchrus tribuloides

Native to:
Bahamas, Bermuda, Brazil, Cayman Is., Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Puerto Rico, Southwest Caribbean, Turks-Caicos Is., United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Cenchrus
Species:
Cenchrus tribuloides
USDA Symbol:
CETR

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Green Cutworm (Anicla infecta)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
commonly found in coastal dunes and sandy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions without pretreatment.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI