Lesser Burdock
ExplorePlants
Lesser Burdock
arctium minus
Lesser Burdock has large green leaves that can grow very big! It produces interesting burrs that can stick to your clothes and fur!
Habitat: Lesser Burdock typically grows in disturbed areas, along roadsides, and in fields.
Appearance
The Lesser Burdock has very large, heart-shaped leaves with wavy edges and fuzzy undersides. Its small, purplish-pink, thistle-like flowers grow in clusters and mature into distinctive prickly burrs.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusArctium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It can grow taller than a child, sometimes reaching heights of up to 5 feet!
Its roots, stems, and young leaves are all edible and packed with nutrients!
The genius design of its burrs directly inspired the creation of Velcro, a sticky invention!
Traditional medicine has used Burdock root for centuries, believing it helps purify the body.
Special abilities
Ability
Hitchhiker Seeds
Lesser Burdock has hook-tipped burrs that attach to fur or clothing, helping it spread seeds far and wide.
Ability
Deep Taproot
Lesser Burdock can grow a long, sturdy taproot to reach deep water and nutrients, thriving in dry soils.
Ability
Rapid Growth
Lesser Burdock quickly grows large leaves, shading out other plants and dominating disturbed areas.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-150 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to fall (July-October)
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Bees visit its purple flowers for nectar and pollen.
depends on
domestic dog
Canis familiaris
Its burrs cling to dog fur, getting carried to new places.
eaten by
thistle tortoise beetle
Cassida rubiginosa
This beetle's larvae feed on Burdock leaves.
eaten by
human
Homo sapiens
Humans sometimes forage its roots and young leaves.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
BurdockCommon BurdockWild Burdock
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Lesser Burdock?
30-150 cm
How wide does Lesser Burdock spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Lesser Burdock?
1-2 cm
When does Lesser Burdock bloom?
Summer to fall (July-October)
Is Lesser Burdock edible?
Yes
Is Lesser Burdock toxic?
None
What is Lesser Burdock's lifecycle?
Biennial
How is Lesser Burdock pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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