Description
Arctium minus
Burdock is also known as Sticky Bobs, Sticklebacks, Beggars Buttons, along with other names. It is a large, tough perennial wildflower which develops big leathery, coarse leaves and branched stiff flower stems, up to 1m. The numerous flowers in late summer-autumn look like small thistles, reddish purple. The seed heads are reportedly the inspiration for the invention of Velcro since they are covered in small hooks as a means of seed dispersal, that attach to anything. The thick tap roots are an ingredient of the once popular Dandelion and Burdock fizzy drink. Can be grown in semi-shade, woodland edges.
Seed from Shropshire
Main pic and flower pic courtesy of Rudolphous, CC BY-SA 4.0
smaller pic courtesy of Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 ,
Sign up to receive great news and offers