We’ve all had the experience of returning from a walk in a field or forest and discovered that parts of our clothing, socks or shoe laces are loaded with little seeds or burs. It can even be worse for dog owners.

Here is a look at the main culprits.

BURDOCKS

Burdocks come in two species and both have similar “burs” though the Great Burdock “burs” are larger than the Common Burdock “burs and have longer stalks.

Great Burdock

Common Burdock

TICK-TREFOILS

The seeds are called “ticks” and have nothing to do with insect “ticks.” The leaves are divided into three leaflets (“trefoil”)

Pointed-leaf Tick-trefoil has a pointed leaf.

Showy Tick-trefoil has linear leaves

Two plants have nicknames with the word “beggar” in it demonstrating the fact that they “hitch a ride”.

Beggar-ticks

Beggar’s-lice (Stickseed)

A few years ago, I released this Kinglet which had become ensnared in Beggar’s-lice.

Enchanter’s-nightshade

Hedge-parsley

Yellow Avens