Class A noxious weed in Washington state (relative newcomer, report to Weed Board if found, with location and photo if possible). This plant is native in the midwest, where it hosts the Colorado beetle. Eradication in Washington is a high priority to prevent it from becoming established. Plants may be dug out, or, since it is an annual, mowing before it goes to seed would likely be helpful.

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I used to painfully pull this native-to-U.S. plant. It liked disturbed areas, so we found them in our new gardens. I looked it up and found it was poisonous. Another reason to get rid of it.

Shame on me! Did you know that this was the Colorado Potato Beetles' historical food? We rotate our potatoes every year. Because we have space, I do not think potatoes have been planted in the same place twice and we never had a problem. That's off topic, though. As long as the Buffalo Bur is not found where barefoot fellows tread, they are left alone. I found some last year in our first prairie patch, but I am not sure they will continue there with the abundant growth of other plants.

I was at a friend's home and she was giving me a garden tour when we came upon a giant Buffalo Bur. I mentioned to her about the Potato Beetle and right then we spotted one on her beautiful plant. Wish I had my camera.

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