burdocks
ExplorePlants
burdocks
Arctium
Burdocks are tall plants with big, fuzzy leaves and purple flowers. They are known for their sticky seed heads that can cling to fur and clothes, making them fun to find in nature!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The burdocks has very large, heart-shaped basal leaves that are deep green above and woolly white underneath. Its tall, branching stems bear distinctive purple, thistle-like flower heads that eventually become prickly, spherical burrs.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusArctium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Burdock's deep roots can break up tough soil, helping other plants grow!
Burdock's sticky burrs inspired the invention of Velcro!
In Japan, burdock root is a popular vegetable called 'Gobo'!
Some burdock leaves can grow bigger than a dinner plate!
Special abilities
Ability
Sticky Hitchhiker
Burdock has hook-covered burrs that stick to fur or clothing, helping it spread seeds far from the parent plant.
Ability
Deep Root Diver
Burdock grows a very long, strong taproot, allowing it to reach deep underground for water and nutrients.
Ability
Leafy Sun Blocker
Its enormous leaves create shade, helping burdock outcompete other plants for sunlight and growing space.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-200 cm
- Spread
- 30-100 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-4 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to early fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
Bumblebees visit burdock flowers for nectar and pollen.
eaten by
Humans
Homo sapiens
People harvest burdock's young roots and leaf stalks as food.
eaten by
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Deer sometimes browse on the tender young leaves of burdock.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Biennial
Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering/seeding in the second.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
Burdock Root
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
While burdocks are not harmful, be careful of their prickly seed heads when exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is burdocks?
50-200 cm
How wide does burdocks spread?
30-100 cm
How big are the flowers on burdocks?
2-4 cm
When does burdocks bloom?
Summer to early fall
Is burdocks edible?
Yes
Is burdocks toxic?
None
What is burdocks's lifecycle?
Biennial
How is burdocks pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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