Species Burdock
purple-green flowers with green leaves

Burdock

Arctium minus

Also Known As - European Burdock
Burdock (Arctium minus) is a large biennial plant with large, bristly leaves, spiny seed heads, and long taproots. It grows in open areas and disturbed soil and spreads through rhizomes. The small, brownish-green flowers are followed by burrs which attach to clothing and fur. The plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine, to make a diuretic and coolant tea, and is eaten as a vegetable in some parts of the world. The taproots can be peeled and eaten raw or cooked and are high in inulin, a prebiotic which adds bulk to the diet. Burdock can be used as a natural dye and as a weed-control in organic gardens.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Root Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation,Stem Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

brown,black Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Burdock (Arctium minus) should be watered regularly and consistently. During the active growing season in Spring and Summer, Burdock require an inch of water per week. During especially dry spells, additional watering may be needed. Once established, these plants are drought resistant and don't require as much water during dry weather. When watering, it’s best to soak the soil, especially for young or newly planted Burdock. During the Fall and Winter, water lightly to prevent the soil from drying out too much. Water less frequently when the weather turns cold.

sunlight

Burdock (Arctium minus) prefers indirect sunlight, but can survive in full sun if the soil remains consistently moist. The plant does best in temperatures from 50 to 77°F (10 to 25°C); however, it can survive as low as 32°F (0°C) for short periods of time. During the summer months, the plant should receive 8 hours of light a day to promote vigorous and healthy growth. In winter months, 6-8 hours of light per day is preferable.

pruning

Burdock (Arctium minus) should generally be pruned in late spring or early summer, before the flowering season begins. Pruning should remove dead or damaged stems and branches, and any branches that have crossed over each other. It is also beneficial to thin out congested branches to allow for new growth and better air circulation. Pruning should remove no more than 1-third of the plant, and the herbaceous stems should be cut down to their base. As this plant is an aggressive spreader, any remaining flowers should be cut off and discarded to prevent self-seeding.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Arctium minus (Burdock) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Burdock typically starts flowering in July.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Arctium minus (Burdock) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.