Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > Is this plant a weed? > Broadleaf Weeds > Basal > Common Burdock
Common Burdock
Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh.
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Found in:
- Lawns (occasionally) and landscape beds
Characteristics:
- Biennial plant that produces a basal rosette of large leaves the first year
- Underside of leaves have many tiny hairs
- Purple to lavender flowers are produced at the end of a 3-6' stalk during the second year
- Flowers are surrounded by numerous hooked bracts that later form burs that attach easily to clothing and animals
- Blooms July to Sept.
- Large, fleshy taproot
Significance:
- Minnesota Secondary Noxious Weed that spreads rapidly
- Leaves and stems may cause dermatitis due to the lactones the plant produces
