It is a biennial forb that occurs throughout the United States. The burrs, when ripe, stick to anything that touches them, including cattle. Burdock is a tenacious weed with a massive taproot that does not respond well to herbicide control, plus it has a persistent seed bank. Common burdock is a biennial weed that is most often a problem in shelterbelts. Burdock only reproduces by seed, so clear plants before the seed matures (or burn the dried seed heads) to reduce the spread. Sometimes adding lime or gypsum may help. The stout, grooved, rough stem has multiple branches, and grows to 2-6 feet tall. University of Minnesota Extension www.extension.umn.edu 612-624-1222 The hooked fruits are reputed to be the inspiration for Velcro. The second year the plant is erect. In the second year, burdock will flower and produce the burrs we all know. Burdock Removal and Control. First year plants form large rosettes. This biennial, introduced from Europe, reproduces by seeds. by Heather Smith Thomas. Control. You can control common burdock using 2,4-D or Banvel. Yellow flowers. wild burdock. The second year the plant is erect. Control. Consequently, it can be challenging to use herbicides to control burdock without injuring the trees. Burdock is an invasive plant you don’t want to find in your pastures. A stout flowering stalk is formed in the second year. Each burr will contain about 30 to 40 seeds, with an entire plant producing anywhere from 9,800 to 17,000 seeds. If burdock is taking over your pasture, it may be time for some soil testing. COMMON BURDOCK [Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh.] Common burdock. Has dense, soft hairs. You can control common mullein by using Roundup as a spot treatment or by hand pulling. Furthermore, burdock often develops a persistent seed bank so plants may appear again within a couple years after control. Common mullein Stands upright. Appearance Arctium minus grows up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall. It is a biennial forb that occurs throughout the United States. The plants like soil that's high in iron and low in calcium. First year plants form large rosettes. County Listed Noxious Weed. wild rhubarb Native Origin: Europe Description: Common burdock is a biennial in the Aster family (Asteraceae). 2,4-D is commonly used for burdock Common Burdock Arctium minus Bernh. Management tips for controlling and eventually eradicating this invasive species. Hand pulling also works for control. A tea once was made from the roots to treat gout and rheumatism. Appearance Arctium minus grows up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall. Common burdock, also referred to as wild rhubarb, is a member of the Asteraceae or sunflower family. Common Names: bardane, beggar's button, common burdock, lesser burdock. Not noxious or poisonous. In the first year of growth the plant forms a rosette. 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