Arctium minus, commonly known as lesser burdock, burweed, louse-bur, common burdock, button-bur, cuckoo-button, or wild rhubarb, is a biennial plant. This plant is native to Europe, but has become an invasive weed in Australia, North and South America, and other places.
Family:
Asteraceae (Aster)
Height:
4 to 5 feet
Leaves:
Basal leaves are large, heart-shaped (up to 18 inches), lower leaves are alternate and egg-shaped. Can resemble rhubarb.
Flower:
Reddish-purple and thistle-like on green, globular hooked burs
Bloom time:
July-October
Nicknames:
Lesser Burdock
Habitat:
Fields, roadsides, open areas in woodlands
Can I plant this in my garden?
No, this non-native plant is a common and aggressive weed in Minnesota and should be managed. It has a long taproot that is difficult to remove, and is a prolific seed producer. Limit seed production by cutting flower heads before they go to seed.
References:
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/common-burdock
Flower | purple |
---|---|
Listing | invasive |
Family | Asteraceae |
Habit | Forb |
Origin | introduced |
Life cycle | biennial |
Bloom time | (7) July, (8) August, (9) September, 10 - October |
*sites | Gervais Mill Pond, Snail Lake |