Common burdock

June 5, 2015

Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh. Asteraceae (Aster family)

Life cycle

Biennial.

common burdock young common burdock mature
Young common burdock plant (left). Mature common burdock plant (right).

Leaves

Plant forms a large-leaved basal rosette in the first year. Leaves are large, alternate, wavy and broadest at the base with hollow petioles. The upper leaf surface is dark green; the undersurface is light green and woolly.

Stems

Hollow, hairy, grooved stems elongate from the rosette during the second year. Stems are branched and can grow to 5 feet tall.

Flowers and fruit

Purple flower heads are encircled by hook-like bracts that dry to form a bur. The seed is enclosed in the burs, which make dissemination easy by attaching to fur or clothing.

common burdock flowers and fruit
Common burdock flowers and fruit.

Reproduction

Seeds.

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