As the seasonal thaw begins and the first signs of spring begin to show, many of us turn our attention to the greenery that warm weather brings. While many will focus on the bountiful harvest of backyard gardens, the City is asking Edmontonians to be on the lookout for Burdock, a noxious weed.

Noxious weeds must be controlled, meaning their growth or spread needs to be prevented. These weeds push out native plants, infest waterways, impact natural habitats, and spread rapidly. The easiest way to control Burdock is to simply mow it down before it goes to seed.

Interesting fact: people brought burdock to Edmonton as a garden vegetable – you can still buy it in the grocery store as “gobo” root. However, if left uncontrolled it will quickly take over other vegetation.

Here’s what to look for:

• The flowers are pink or white and bloom late June to early September.
• The leaves are green with a red middle vein with pointed tips.

Starting in May, the weed enforcement program performs in-person visits to areas reported to have issues with these weeds. Property owners who do not control or destroy invasive weeds may be issued a notice to control or remove the weed. If action is not taken, the City has the authority to go onto private property to take weed control measures. Mowing is the only control measure the City uses for noxious weeds – the City does not use pesticides and chemicals on private property. Prohibited noxious weeds need to be destroyed. Contractors will be hired to physically remove prohibited noxious weeds.

Information provided by the City of Edmonton.