(Arctium)
Common burdock grows all over the BC coastal region, I have seen it growing from the seashore right up to the tree line on our coastal mountains. The burs that grow on this plant are almost impossible to remove once stuck onto something, Velcro was developed using this plant’s ability to stick as a guide.
Burdock is a Eurasian, biennial herb that will grow in most soil conditions. Common Burdock plants are identifiable by heart-shaped leaves that grow alternately on the stem, and purple, prickly flowers borne in clusters at the top. It blooms between July and October. Seeds mature by September and are spread throughout the winter and spring. Various insects pollinate burdock, particularly honeybees, bumblebees, and leaf-cutting bees.
Burdock is an invasive plant in BC. Invasive plants grow and spread quickly, forcing out native plants and causing damage to the health of our environment.
Common burdock can seriously damage native ecosystems. Although found primarily on disturbed sites, it will spread to natural areas from nearby roadsides, logged-over areas, and unused fields.
Growing to heights of up to 3 meters, its large leaves can shade out and prevent other plants from growing, having an adverse effect on crop quality. Burdock plants indirectly affect the development of economically important plants by hosting powdery mildew and root rot. If eaten by milk-producing animals like cows and goats, and if they digest enough, their milk can be tainted.
Common burdock is considered a noxious weed under the BC Weed Control Act because of its ability to disperse easily and sicken livestock.
important also to note: after they bloom and the burrs ripen into their clinging, sticky form, they easily entangle and kill our already-struggling, indigenous little brown bats, as well as smaller birds.
this is obviously unacceptable, but what to do?
well, the roots make excellent pan-fried chips, so once you are sure you have positively identified the plant, dig that bad boy up and take the roots and any potential buds or seed heads home with you. eat the roots (many recipes online!), destroy/bake/boil the seed heads to kill the 10,000 or more seeds before discarding.
preventing the spread of this noxious weed is the least we can do for our beleaguered little fuzzy pals.
thanks for the info