common burdock, lesser burdock
(Arctium minus)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Arctium minus grows up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall. It is a biennial forb that occurs throughout the United States. First-year plants form large rosettes. A stout flowering stalk is formed in the second year.
Foliage
Stem leaves are large, heart-shaped, and very hairy on the undersides. Basal leaves are dark green, heart-shaped, and up to 1 ft. (0.3 m) long.
Flowers
Flowering occurs from July to October when pink to purple flowers develop. Flowers are enclosed in a prickly bur.
Fruit
One plant typically produces 15,000 seeds. It reproduces by seeds.
Ecological Threat
Arctium minus can become a problematic invader of pastures, hayfields, and open prairie ecosystems. It acts as a secondary host for pathogens, such as powdery mildew and root rot, which affect economically important plants. Arctium minus is native to Europe and came to the United States via accidental introduction. Indirectly affects the development of economically important plants by hosting powdery mildew and root rot. Reduces the value of sheep’s wool due to the seed heads entangling in it. It is responsible for tainting milk products if grazed in large quantities.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Alberta Weed Control Act
- City of Ann Arbor Michigan Parks and Recreation
- Colorado Noxious Weeds
- Hoffman, R. & K. Kearns, Eds. 1997. Wisconsin manual of control recommendations for ecologically invasive plants. Wisconsin Dept. Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources. Madison, Wisconsin. 102pp.
- Invasive Plant Association of Wisconsin
- Invasive Plant Species of West Virginia
- Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
- John Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Survey of TNC Preserves, 1995.
- Kentucky Exotic Pest Plant Council - Moderate Threat
- Missouri SRISP Species List
- National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
- Native Plant Society of Oregon, 2008
- Ohio Invasive Species Council
- WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
- West Virginia Invasive Species Strategic Plan and Volunteer Guidelines 2014
- West Virginia Native Plant Society, Flora West Virginia Project, and West Virginia Curatorial Database System, September 3, 1999
- Wyoming Noxious Weeds
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Asteranae |
| Order: Asterales |
| Family: Asteraceae |
| Subfamily: Carduoideae |
| Tribe: Cardueae |
| Genus: Arctium |
| Arctium minus |
Other System Links
Plants: ARMI2
Bayer: ARFMI
GRIN: 313517
ITIS: 36546
NPDN Pest: PBFAIBB
NPDN Host: 28141
Synonyms and Other Names
Other Common Names:
lesser burrdock, bardane, beggar's button, burdock, common burdock, small burdock, smaller burdock, wild burdock, wild rhubarb
Related Scientific Names:
Lappa minor Bernh. (Synonym)
References
Common Name Reference: Weed Science Society of America Common Names List
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.