March is the time to think about bur buttercup control to avoid a nasty, painful reminder later on in the year.

One of Baker County’s first reminders that spring is near is the

appearance of bur buttercup, a winter annual. In fact, the lack of

snowpack this winter will allow this plant to especially flourish. With

temperatures reaching the 50s and beyond, it is important to act now to

avoid the burs that form on this nasty weed.

Originally from southeastern Europe, it is a member of the buttercup

family and grows two to five inches in height. In early spring, bur

buttercup sends up narrow-leaved stems tipped by solitary, yellow

flowers. By mid-spring, it forms solid, 3- to 4-inch-tall mats.

The real problem with this weed is seen later on in the summer when

spiny seed heads appear. When the seed head dries out it becomes hard

and sharp, lodging in shoes, bare feet, animal pads, bicycle tires and

even clothing.

Another problem is that bur buttercup easily invades farmsteads and

corrals. When livestock – especially sheep and horses – are forced to

graze large quantities, the toxins within this plant can become very

problematic. In most cases, a lack of general health within the herd is

the result, although mortality is not uncommon.

This weed is found primarily on disturbed sites, but can also spread out onto range and pasturelands with sufficient spring moisture. Recent observations have shown this weed can quickly spread into sagebrush range ground, occupying sites once held by native forbs and grasses.

Bur buttercup can be controlled, but action is needed before it flowers and drops seed. In its late-winter seedling stage, it’s susceptible to foliar-applied herbicides like glyphosate, Weedmaster, or 2,4-D.

Use glyphosate only as a spot-treatment, as it will kill non-target, preferred vegetation if not careful. Please read, understand, and follow label directions when applying herbicides.

Solid stands of competitive grasses and other forbs will not allow bur buttercup to gain a foothold. If you’d rather not spray, digging will work, but can be labor-intensive.

For more information on controlling bur buttercup, call Arnie Grammon, the Baker County Noxious Weed Supervisor, at 541-523-0618.