Common Burdock

Common Name: Common Burdock

Botanical Name: Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh.

Family: Asteraceae

Life Cycle: Biennial (spreads by seeds)

Defining Identification Characteristics:

• Basal rosette of heart shaped, very large leaves in first year

• Upright plant second year with alternating, small heart shaped leaves

• Purple flowers similar to thistle flowers

• Flowers have velcro like hooks

• Seed head is a bur with hooks that attach to clothing

• Large, fleshy taproot

Common habitat:

• Landscape gardens

• Farm fields

Noxious Weed List/Legal Status:

Eradicate Control Restricted Specially Regulated Not Listed

Additional Information:

• Burdock - Ohio Weedguide

• Common burdock