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