COMMON BURDOCK
Arctium minus
Plant Characteristics
Height:
2' - 5'
Stem:
Round, smooth
Leaves:
Large rosette
Flower:
Reddish-purple flowers on top of bulb with burs
Bloom Time:
July to SeptemberBurdock is a tenacious weed with a massive taproot. It does not respond well to herbicide control and has an extensive seed bank. Seeds as spread easily when the burs attach to people and animals. This allows the plant to travel long distances, causing more harm to native plants than many other plants.
Hand Pull
Hand pull to remove tap root and flower heads before they seed.
Mow
Mow prior to seeding.
Cultural Plant Alternatives:
Spotted Joe Pye Weed
This plant provides numerous pink flowers from July to September. The stems and flowers can be collected, dried, and burned to make anatural mosquito repellent. The roots can be gathered and dried to make an herbal tea tonic.
Jerusalem Artichoke
A plant in the sunflower family, derives its name from the tubers it produces. They can be a delicious added topping to pizzas, pastas, and salads. In France, it has been used as a base for alcohol for many years.
