About Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh.
Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh. is a biennial plant that grows up to 1.8 metres (6 ft) tall, forms multiple branches, and is large and bushy. Its leaves can reach up to 50 cm (20 in) in length and are ovate; lower leaves are heart-shaped with very wavy margins. Leaves are dark green on the upper surface and woolly underneath. The plant develops an extremely deep taproot that grows up to 30 cm (12 in) into the ground. It produces flowers in its second year of growth, between July and October. The flowers are prickly, with a pink to purple color. Flower heads measure around 2 cm (3⁄4 in) wide and are surrounded by a cluster of bracts. The outer bracts end in hooks that create a hook-and-loop effect after the flower head dries: the bracts attach to humans and animals to transport the seedhead. The flowers resemble thistles and can be easily mistaken for them, but burdock can be distinguished by its extremely large leaves and hooked bracts. This species is native to Europe, but has been introduced to other regions including Australia, North America, South America, and additional locations. Up to one-year-old leafstalks, leaves, and flower stalks can be eaten raw or cooked. Roots are edible when boiled with a change of water, though roots from plants over one year old become too woody to eat. Leaves can also be used to make herbal tea.
