XANTHIUM, Diton Bur; a genus of the pentandria order, belonging to the monœcia class of plants. There are three species; of which the most remarkable is the strumarium, or lesser burdock, growing naturally on dunghills in many places of Britain. The leaves are bitter and astringent. A decoction of the whole plant affords a showy yellow colour, but it is better if only the flowers are used. Horses and goats eat it; cows, sheep, and swine refuse it.