Key identifying traits
- Yellow flowers with 5
petals that turn into stiff brown burs on maturity
-
Plants only grow 2-5” tall
-
Leaves are alternate and are from 1-4” long
-
Leaves are divided into finger-like segments
-
Burs
are 1/2-3/4” long
-
Plant
has a grayish green appearance
Biology
and ecology
- An annual reproducing
from seeds
- Can flower within 3
weeks of first leaf emergence
- It is highly toxic to
livestock, especially sheep, but loses its toxicity after it is
dry (in hay)
- This plant is a native
to southeastern Europe
- Starts growing very
early in the spring
- Common weed in the
western states including California, Oregon, Idaho, Washington,
Utah
- Does not compete well
with grass but likes to invade overgrazed pastures, roadsides,
waste areas, and small grain crops
Control
Prevention –
Learn to identify plants; start monitoring early in the season
Biological –
No known biological control in our area
Cultural –
Plant competitive grass or other cover crop
Mechanical –
Cultivation such as hoeing, pulling, digging, or tillage should work
well if it can be done before seed production
Chemical –There are several
herbicides on the market that can effectively control bur buttercup
but timing is important-must be early in season; 2,4-D plus dicamba
or glyphosate are often recommended for control: refer to the
PNW Weed Management handbook for specific chemical
recommendations.
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