Lesser Burdock
Photo Credit: John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, retrieved from Bugwood.org (Image Number: 2155019), used under CC BY 3.0 US, modified from the original
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Common Name: Lesser Burdock Scientific Name: Arctium minus Habitat: disturbed areas, roadsides, farmland, forests - open areas, wet and dry grassland Provincial Designation: Noxious Noxious weeds are plant species that are designated as "noxious weeds" in the Alberta weed regulation. Noxious weeds must be controlled, meaning their growth or spread needs to be prevented. |
Origin
Lesser burdock, also called common burdock, was introduced from Europe in the 17th century for its medicinal and culinary purposes.
Legislated Because
This species can spread rapidly through the dispersal of its hooked fruits, which attach themselves to clothing and animal fur. These burrs can cause eye, nose, and mouth injuries in livestock. There have also been reported cases of birds and bats becoming entangled in the burrs.
Description
The flower heads of lesser burdock are pink-purple, up to 2.5 cm wide and have stalks that are usually 0-3 cm long.
The leaves are heart-shaped, green on the top side, white on the underside, and are alternately arranged along the stem. The leaf stalks are hollow.
Plants produce large, brown fruits with hooked barbs that are characteristic to this plant.
Found in disturbed areas, it can grow as high as 3 m tall.
Did You Know?
Burdock was the inspiration for Velcro in the early 1940s.
Learn more about this species:
See Fact Sheets - Alberta Invasive Species Council
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Lesser Burdock -
Lesser Burdock -
Lesser Burdock
For More Information
Weed Management
| Telephone |
In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 |
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| invasiveweeds@edmonton.ca |
