First year plants form large rosettes. Control. Common burdock is native to Europe and now is established throughout much of North America. Hand pulling also works for control. wild rhubarb Native Origin: Europe Description: Common burdock is a biennial in the Aster family (Asteraceae). If burdock is taking over your pasture, it may be time for some soil testing. Common Burdock Arctium minus Description: Common burdock is a member of the Aster or Sunflower family, Thistle tribe. Common burdock is a biennial weed that is most often a problem in shelterbelts. Common mullein Stands upright. Management tips for controlling and eventually eradicating this invasive species. In the first year of growth the plant forms a rosette. Common Names: bardane, beggar's button, common burdock, lesser burdock. COMMON BURDOCK [Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh.] The plants like soil that's high in iron and low in calcium. Burdock is a tenacious weed with a massive taproot that does not respond well to herbicide control, plus it has a persistent seed bank. Appearance Arctium minus grows up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall. by Heather Smith Thomas. Sometimes adding lime or gypsum may help. Controlling Burdock. In the second year, burdock will flower and produce the burrs we all know. Burdock only reproduces by seed, so clear plants before the seed matures (or burn the dried seed heads) to reduce the spread. County Listed Noxious Weed. 2,4-D is commonly used for burdock Each burr will contain about 30 to 40 seeds, with an entire plant producing anywhere from 9,800 to 17,000 seeds. You can control common burdock using 2,4-D or Banvel. First year plants form large rosettes. University of Minnesota Extension www.extension.umn.edu 612-624-1222 The hooked fruits are reputed to be the inspiration for Velcro. The burrs, when ripe, stick to anything that touches them, including cattle. Yellow flowers. The second year the plant is erect. A stout flowering stalk is formed in the second year. Furthermore, burdock often develops a persistent seed bank so plants may appear again within a couple years after control. The stout, grooved, rough stem has multiple branches, and grows to 2-6 feet tall. This biennial, introduced from Europe, reproduces by seeds. Common Burdock Arctium minus Bernh. Control. You can control common mullein by using Roundup as a spot treatment or by hand pulling. In the first year of growth the plant forms a rosette. Has dense, soft hairs. A stout flowering stalk is formed in the second year. Common burdock, also referred to as wild rhubarb, is a member of the Asteraceae or sunflower family. Burdock Removal and Control. Burdock is an invasive plant you don’t want to find in your pastures. Common burdock. A tea once was made from the roots to treat gout and rheumatism. wild burdock. It is a biennial forb that occurs throughout the United States. 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