Arctium minus

An alien burdock with pink, prickly flowers

Arctium minus common burdock

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneously Add to MyPlants View Locations

Herbaceous biennial introduced from Europe; mostly grows in disturbed habitats.  The flowers are quite prickly on short stalks and are reminiscent of a raceme; florets at the top of the flowerhead have purple bristles with white tips.  A close relative of the common burdock, the great burdock has larger leaves, and flower heads on long stalks, not particularly arranged.

Grows along roadsides, wood edges, in waste grounds, meadows, and fields.

Present throughout the state.

Wetland codes
EMP: FACU
NCNE: FACU



Flowers July to September.

Mary Jo (Guest)

Posted on 30 June 2025

We have several in our garden that I let grow bc I thought it was rhubarb.   Not even July and one has leaves 10-12" wide and easily 2 FEET plus.  Considering removing bc infringing on nearby plants.  Recommendations?

Posted By Admin: @Mary Jo I would remove asap, because it is invasive and once it establishes, it is difficult to remove.
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Arctium minus common burdock

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneously
Add to MyPlants View Locations
Arctium minus gallery
Plant Life-Form
biennial forb
Common Names
common burdock