Download Common Burdock - Natural Biodiversity

BioBullies
Impacts:
Common burdock is an
aggressive plant that can
take over disturbed fields
and can provide its own
fertilizer. It shades out
other plants and keeps
them from growing in new
fields. Burrs from the
flowers can become
entangled in sheep's
fleece, possibly damaging
the quality of the wool. It
can also cling to the hair
of pets and wildlife,
clothes, and feathers of
birds.
Suspected Means of
Introduction: Common
burdock was introduced
in the 1700’s because of
its medicinal
characteristics. It was
also used to make paper
and coffee.
Common
Burdock
Arctium minus
Description: Common burdock is a biennial weed that can reach
heights of 3 to 4 feet. The large heart shaped leaves, which resemble
rhubarb, are nearly a foot long with wavy-edges, dark green on top, and
a woolly whitish color underneath. Common burdock is well known for
producing the prickly burrs that attach to clothing and animals fur like
Velcro. The flowers of the plant are purple and form clusters at the top
of the stem. The stem ranges in color from green to brown and is very
sturdy to support the weight of the plant. One burdock plant can live up
to 4 years.
BioBullies
Native Range: Europe
and Turkey
Common
Burdock
Arctium minus
Resources for
Identification and
Control of Common
Burdock
Weed of the Week - USDA
Forest Service
Plant Profile Database USDA
Invasive.org
University of GA, US Forest
Service, USDA APHIS
PA Field Guide - Common
Invasive Plants in Riparian
Areas
Global Invasive Species
Team - The Nature
Conservancy
Habitat: Common burdock is
found at low to mid elevations in
grasslands and forests, and
along roadsides, ditches, stream
banks, pastures, and disturbed
habitats. Common burdock is
most commonly found in fallow
crop fields and grazing plains. It
prefers sun light and moist,
well-drained soils, though it can
tolerate most soil conditions.
Biology: Common burdock
reproduces primarily by seeds.
This form of reproduction is
successful due to the seeds’
Natural Biodiversity
Biology (cont.):
Velcro-like hooks which fix
themselves to the coat or feathers
of any animal they encounter.
Butterflies and birds are attracted
to its purple flowers.
Control Methods: Common
burdock can be controlled by
constant mowing before plants go
to seed. In order to remove this
problematic plant, the large
taproot system that grows deep
underground must be tilled. Most
broadleaf herbicides are also
useful for control.
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www.naturalbiodiversity.org
Johnstown, PA 15902
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