06 May Weed Wednesday – Common Burdock
Posted at 08:00h
in Chewing Cud
It’s Weed Wednesday! This week the focus is – Common Burdock
This invasive plant is becoming more common across parts of Alberta and can quickly take over disturbed sites, roadsides and pastures.
How to identify:
- Large, broad, heart-shaped leaves with a dull green upper surface and white-ish, fuzzy underside
- Thick, grooved stems that can grow quite tall (up to 1–2 meters)
- Purple, thistle-like flowers that bloom in mid to late summer
- Round burrs covered in hooked bristles that easily stick to clothing, fur and equipment
Why it’s considered noxious:
- Burrs can injure livestock and reduce the value of wool or hides
- Competes with desirable vegetation, reducing forage quality
- Can spread easily by attaching to animals, people, and machinery
- Forms dense patches that are difficult to control once established
If you think you’ve found Common Burdock, contact your local Agricultural Fieldman with a photo and the location where you found it for verification and management advice.
To learn more about Common Burdock, visit: Burdock, Common – Alberta Invasive Species Council
