Cockleburrs? They seem to grow well in the US Midwest (at least about 40 miles west of Chicago.) We also get stick-tights which are much smaller.
As for my "lawn", I mow whatever grows at the highest height I can set my mower. No fertilizer, no toxins. Whatever grows is appreciated. Except thistles, cockleburrs and stick-tights. I have a variety of grasses, American violets, clover, ajuga and lots of other stuff. I also pull portulaca and add it to my salads.
It's weird, I've only ever noticed those on the west coast.