⚠️
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Submit a photoCommon Burdock
Arctium minus
⚠️ NOXIOUS — a biennial from Europe with massive rhubarb-like leaves in its first year and tall (up to 2 m) flowering stalks with pink-purple tufted flowers in hooked bristly bracts the second year. The bracts are the original inspiration for Velcro. A dangerous hazard for birds and bats — small species can get trapped in the hooks and die. Frequent in Alberta farmyards and edges.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Widespread in Alberta disturbed areas
Light
Full sun to part shade
Bloom Time
July–Sept (2nd year)
Soil
Moist, rich, disturbed ground
Water
Moderate
Use Caution— Burs tangle in pet fur and cause skin irritation; may require veterinary removal from ears/eyes
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
DO NOT PROPAGATE. Control: dig first-year rosettes (remove taproot); cut second-year plants before seed set.
