Annual herb < 2.5 m tall. Taproot is shallow. Stems are blotchy purple and hairy. Leaves are large and serrated, with dark green tops and pale green undersides. Flowers are small and yellow. Burs are small, hard, brown, woody and hooked.
To help protect our environment:
Pasture, cropland, plantations, wasteland, disturbed or open sites.
Seeds dispersed by water and attachment to animal pelts. Human-mediated dispersal through contamination of clothes and machinery.
Nuisance pest of pasture and crops, especially maize. Poisonous to livestock and hooked burs cause sores in livestock mouths and hooves.
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. Please report to Auckland Council.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
Bathurst bur's leaves are narrower and have three spines beneath each leaf.
Burdock has small red purple flowers, the burs have many more smaller spines. The plant is a perennial.
