Burrs are a common nuisance for homeowners and gardeners, as they can easily attach themselves to clothing, pets, and even the blades of lawnmowers. These prickly seeds or fruits are designed to stick to surfaces for dispersal, but they can be a major annoyance when they invade your lawn. In this article, we will explore seven types of burrs that are commonly found in lawns and gardens, and provide effective methods for removing them. By understanding the characteristics of different burrs and employing the right techniques, you can keep your lawn free from these pesky invaders. Let’s dive in and learn how to tackle burrs head-on!
1. Common Burdock (Arctium minus)
Description:
- The common burdock is a biennial weed that produces burrs with hooked spines.
- The burrs have a round shape and are covered in small, stiff bristles.
- Each burr contains multiple seeds that can easily attach to clothing or animal fur.
Removal methods:
- Wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid getting pricked by the burrs.
- Use a pair of sturdy gardening gloves or tweezers to remove the burrs from clothing or pet fur.
- If common burdock has invaded your lawn, hand-pulling or using a weeding tool can be effective, especially when the plants are young.
- Make sure to remove the entire plant, including the taproot, to prevent regrowth.
2. Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium)
Description:
- Cocklebur is an annual weed that produces round, spiky burrs.
- Each burr contains two seeds and has hooked spines that easily catch onto clothing or fur.
- The leaves of the cocklebur plant are large and heart-shaped.
Removal methods:
- Wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid contact with the spiky burrs.
- Remove burrs from clothing or pet fur using tweezers or a fine-toothed comb.
- For cocklebur plants in your lawn, hand-pulling is effective when the plants are small.
- Alternatively, you can mow the lawn regularly to prevent the plants from producing burrs.
3. Bur Marigold (Bidens species)
Description:
- Bur marigold is an annual or perennial weed that produces small, round burrs.
- The burrs are covered in tiny bristles or hooks that easily cling to clothing or fur.
- Each burr contains multiple seeds.
Removal methods:
- Wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid contact with the burrs.
- Remove burrs from clothing or pet fur using tweezers or a fine-toothed comb.
- Hand-pulling is effective for removing bur marigold plants from your lawn, especially when they are small.
- Regular mowing and maintaining a healthy lawn can help prevent the spread of bur marigold.
4. Goathead (Tribulus terrestris)
Description:
- Goathead, also known as puncturevine, is an annual weed that produces hard, sharp burrs.
- The burrs have multiple thorny spikes and are shaped like a goat’s head, hence the name.
- Each burr contains several seeds.
Removal methods:
- Wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid getting pricked by the thorny burrs.
- Remove burrs from clothing or pet fur using tweezers or a fine-toothed comb.
- Hand-pulling is effective for removing goathead plants from your lawn, especially when they are small.
- Regular mowing and maintaining a healthy lawn can help prevent the spread of goathead.
5. Bur Clover (Medicago polymorpha)
Description:
- Bur clover is an annual weed that produces small, round burrs.
- The burrs are covered in tiny hooks or spines that easily attach to clothing or fur.
- Each burr contains multiple seeds.
Removal methods:
- Wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid contact with the burrs.
- Remove burrs from clothing or pet fur using tweezers or a fine-toothed comb.
- Maintain a healthy lawn by regularly mowing and applying appropriate fertilizers to prevent the spread of bur clover.
- Hand-pulling can be effective for removing bur clover plants from your lawn.
6. Sandbur (Cenchrus species)
Description:
- Sandbur is an annual grassy weed that produces burrs with spiky bristles.
- The burrs are typically found at the tips of the plant’s branches.
- Each burr contains several seeds.
Removal methods:
- Wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid contact with the spiky burrs.
- Remove burrs from clothing or pet fur using tweezers or a fine-toothed comb.
- Hand-pulling is effective for removing sandbur plants from your lawn, especially before they produce burrs.
- Regular mowing and maintaining a healthy lawn can help prevent the spread of sandbur.
7. Hairy Beggarticks (Bidens pilosa)
Description:
- Hairy beggarticks is an annual weed that produces small, flat burrs.
- The burrs have tiny hooks or bristles that easily attach to clothing or fur.
- Each burr contains multiple seeds.
Removal methods:
- Wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid contact with the burrs.
- Remove burrs from clothing or pet fur using tweezers or a fine-toothed comb.
- Hand-pulling is effective for removing hairy beggarticks from your lawn, especially when they are young.
- Regular mowing and maintaining a healthy lawn can help prevent the spread of hairy beggarticks.
Conclusion
Burrs can be a persistent problem in lawns and gardens, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can effectively remove them and keep your outdoor spaces burr-free. Remember to protect yourself with gloves and appropriate clothing when handling burrs, and use tweezers or combs to remove them from clothing or pet fur. Hand-pulling, regular mowing, and maintaining a healthy lawn are key strategies to prevent the spread of burr-producing plants. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can enjoy a beautiful, burr-free lawn all year round.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Consult with a lawn care professional or horticulturist for specific guidance on your lawn and garden.
