A war with burdock

[15444]

There is probably a different name for this weed across the country, but here it's called burdock. It's that plant with the wide green leaves, just like a rhubarb plant, and has those huge bures that stick too anything. My Dad and I tried to clean most of them out last fall by pulliing them by hand and burning them, but I think that just slows down there progress. I need something that will definitely kill them and be not a stressful as pulling them out of the hard ground. I don't think even the strongest Roundup will kill them. Does anyone know any really tough chemicals that will go after these suckers and not kill the grass around them....homemade or industrial....I'm ready to try anything.

[chalmers]

Your name is right it is called Common Burdock and it is a biennial that spreads by seed and has a great fleshy tap root. Perhaps one of Alberta Agriculture's Forage Specialists might have a herbicide recommendation, try gordon.hutton@agric.gov.ab.ca Hope this helps, remember to start soon because the seeds will have germinated and are rosettes already.

[cowman]

Tordon 22K will kill it and get any seedlings too. It won't hurt the grass but will definitely kill clovers or broad leafed grasses. It is a restricted herbicide and you would have to get a permit from your agricultural fieldman. Also it is not cheap!

[kato]

I have been doing battle with this plant for years. One year I sprayed each plant (in the barnyard) with Roundup. The plants died, but for every one that died, 6 or seven seedlings came up! Now we just cut them down before they can produce seeds, and the plant population is ever so slowly being reduced. I have heard that sheep love them, and will eat them right down, but I think you'd be wanting to do that early in the year. Imagine the mess if a sheep picked up a load of burrs.

If you find the "answer", please post it.

[15444]

I don't believe there is "one right answer" with this problem. I deeply apprecitate everyones help.