Sandbur

tragus racemosus

Also known as: ["Cenchrus racemosus","Bassia racemosa"]

Family: Chenopodiaceae Genus: Tragus Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A small annual grass known for its bur-like fruits that can attach to animal fur and clothing.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Genus: Tragus
Botanical Name: Tragus racemosus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens or dry, sunny borders
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust to dappled light in intense summer heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. For indoor placement, use a south-facing window with sheer curtains.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with brown tips indicate poor drainage; stunted growth suggests nutrient deficiency or compacted soil.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even light exposure; provide shade during peak summer afternoons; monitor for leaf burn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-drained, sandy loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if drainage is poor; test pH annually.

Temperature

Prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate warmth.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain moderate humidity.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; apply to moist soil; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of clumps.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain moisture.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting soil.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pots within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning of stems and light shaping to improve air circulation.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or overgrown stems to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune before flowering; remove damaged stems; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim rootbound roots; replace with fresh soil mix; ensure drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the container.

Checklist

Use fresh soil mix; check for pests; water lightly after repotting; place in shade for a few days.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning or late evening; ensure proper drainage; avoid overhead watering.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches. Allow excess water to drain freely and avoid wetting foliage.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water precisely to the base of the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency to every 14–21 days in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or chlorosis in extreme heat; stunted growth or browning leaf edges in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows metabolic processes, reduces nutrient uptake, and may cause tissue damage in prolonged freezing conditions.

Solution: Move to a sheltered location; apply a thick layer of mulch; cover with frost cloth during freezes.

Hot Stress

Leaves may curl, wilt, or develop scorched patches due to excessive transpiration.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; ensure consistent watering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Cease fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Tragus racemosus may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pathogenic infections, which can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Tragus racemosus is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential cellular damage.

Leaf spots on Tragus racemosus may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Tragus racemosus can result from excessive moisture or fungal infections, compromising structural integrity and nutrient uptake.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Tragus racemosus is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

Not applicable

No specific safety precautions are required for cats exposed to Tragus racemosus.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Tragus racemosus is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

Not applicable

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs exposed to Tragus racemosus.
Humans
Non-toxic

Tragus racemosus is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption and handling.

⚡ Toxic If:

Not applicable

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or consuming Tragus racemosus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Tragus racemosus harmful to pets?

A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.

Q: How does Tragus racemosus spread?

A: It spreads primarily through its bur-like fruits that attach to animals and clothing, facilitating dispersal.

Q: Is Tragus racemosus suitable for ornamental gardens?

A: While it can grow in gardens, it is typically considered a weed due to its invasive nature and potential to spread rapidly.

Quick Reference
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers"]
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