Noogoora Burr (Xanthium occidentale)
Brown seeds of the Noogoora burr
Noogoora burr is declared a Class B (spread to be controlled) and Class C (not to be introduced to the Northern Territory) weed in accordance with the NT Weeds Management Act 2001.
- Noogoora burr Photo Identification Table (pdf 180Kb)
Noogoora burr is a native of the Americas, it was introduced to Queensland late last century in imported cotton seed. Since then it has become a problem in Queensland, parts of New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and in the NT. Once established, noogoora burr is difficult to eradicate and spreads rapidly. In the NT it is now established on many major river systems, including the Calvert, Daly, Mainoru, MacArthur, Victoria and West Baines. Noogoora burr is also established on properties in the Barkly, Gulf, Katherine, Victoria River and Darwin districts.
Noogoora burr can rapidly invade riparian and seasonally wet areas, as well as grazing and cropping land. Noogoora burr can significantly impact production, as it can displace valuable grazing species, and is highly toxic if ingested by cattle, sheep and horses. Symptoms of stock poisoning include intense pain, salivation, muscular spasms, tremors, vomiting and scouring. Death can occur within two hours or up to two days after ingestion. The burrs themselves can also become problematic as they can become entangled in the hair of livestock. Costs for inspection and removal of burrs from travelling livestock can dramatically increase in affected areas.
Green seeds and leaves of the Noogoora burr
*There can be confusion between species within the Xanthium genus. Xanthium spinosum is also a declared Class B and C weed.
