greater burdock
ExplorePlants
greater burdock
Arctium lappa
Greater burdock is a tall plant with big leaves and purple flowers. It grows in many places and has a long, thick root that people sometimes use in cooking.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The greater burdock is a tall plant known for its very large, heart-shaped leaves that are green on top and whitish-woolly underneath. Its distinctive purple, thistle-like flowers eventually develop into globe-shaped burrs covered in hooked bristles.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusArctium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Burdock leaves can grow so huge, a single leaf can be wider than a human head!
Its incredibly deep taproot can grow over a meter long, acting like a natural well!
The spiky burrs of burdock inspired Swiss engineer George de Mestral to invent Velcro!
Young burdock roots are a popular, crunchy vegetable called 'gobo' in Japanese cuisine!
Special abilities
Ability
Velcro Architect
Greater burdock has sticky, hooked burrs that latch onto animal fur and clothing, helping it scatter its seeds far and wide.
Ability
Deep Drinker
Greater burdock can grow a long, sturdy taproot deep into the soil to reach underground water and nutrients.
Ability
Shade Master
Greater burdock has enormous, broad leaves that efficiently capture sunlight and outcompete smaller plants around it.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 60-300 cm
- Spread
- 50-100 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-4 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Collects nectar and pollen from flowers.
pollinates
Painted Lady butterfly
Vanessa cardui
Visits flowers for nectar, aiding reproduction.
eaten by
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Browses on young leaves and shoots.
eaten by
Garden tiger moth
Arctia caja
Caterpillars feed on burdock leaves.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
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.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not eat any plants unless a grown-up says it's safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is greater burdock?
60-300 cm
How wide does greater burdock spread?
50-100 cm
How big are the flowers on greater burdock?
2-4 cm
When does greater burdock bloom?
Summer
Is greater burdock edible?
Yes
Is greater burdock toxic?
None
What is greater burdock's lifecycle?
Biennial
How is greater burdock pollinated?
Insect
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