An annual. One of the first plants to emerge in the spring, often growing next to melting snow. An alpine plant in its native range; it is cold and drought tolerant and has adapted to a short life cycle. Rarely taller than 3 inches, with a shallow root system. Light green leaves that are branched to form the appearance of bird feet, or resembling tiny deer antlers. Pale yellow 5 petal flowers occur sometimes within a week of emergence and are just as short lived. Ovate spiny burs form soon after flowering, containing multiple seeds, one seed per spine. This plant is extremely toxic, especially to sheep and goats, however it is unpalatable and is rarely a danger.

Susceptible to most common herbicides, generally at the higher labeled rates and use a good surfactant. The secret to herbicide control of Bur buttercup is to spray early and be prepared to spray a second time if conditions favorable for continued germination. Seeds are short lived, so stopping seed production will quickly diminish the seed bank. It is possible to control with cultivation, which creates a favorable site for re-infestation or invasion of other weeds. If you choose to till, it is advisable to plant a perennial cover crop, or an early emerging competitive annual, or be prepared to till for successive years.
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Modified from Selected Noxious Weeds of Eastern Oregon, Gary Page, Malheur County Weed Inspector.