Burdock – FranLaff.com

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Common Name

Burdock

Scientific Name

Arctium spp

More Clues to ID

This large-leaved biennial wildflower has thistle-like flowers and an edible and medicinal taproot

The roots and hollow stems of this plant can be soaked in water, then julienned and fried or cooked in soups and stews. The roots and seeds have also long been used medicinally for their antifungal and purgative properties, as well as for several other ailments. However, the foliage has been known to irritate the skin of some people — wear gloves if necessary.

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Learn about this species:

To the inexperienced eye, this plant in full bloom can appear to be a thistle, due to its thistle-like flowerheads. However, the VERY large basal leaves with NO spines puts it in its own category.

Image Credits

Dalgial, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lamiot, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ulaisaeva, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
other pics are from Pixabay or Fran's collection

Pssst…

Did you know that this and other species are waiting their turns to be added to Fran’s FREE online courses, like the PLANTS course, or the BIRDS course?

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