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