Lesser burdock - Arctium minus

Common Name :	Lesser burdock.
Binomial Name :	Arctium minus
Family :	Asteraceae
Photo Taken :	Ireland

Botanical Identity

Arctium minus, commonly known as Lesser burdock, is a biennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, it has been widely introduced and naturalized across North America and other temperate regions. It typically grows in disturbed soils, along roadsides, riverbanks, and in meadows, where it can form dense thickets. The plant is well known for its burrs that cling to fur and clothing, aiding seed dispersal.

Plant Description

This biennial plant grows a large basal rosette of broad, heart-shaped leaves in its first year, which can be up to 40 cm long. The leaves are dark green above and woolly beneath, with wavy or toothed edges. In the second year, it sends up a stout, grooved flowering stalk that can reach 1.5 to 2 meters tall. The plant has a deep taproot that allows it to thrive in poor soils and dry conditions. Its robust growth and persistence make it a common sight in disturbed areas.

Flowers and Fruit Characteristics

The flowers of Arctium minus are small and purple, blooming from mid to late summer. They are clustered in round, thistle-like heads surrounded by hooked bracts that form the characteristic burrs. Each flower head is about 1–2 cm across and sits on short stalks. The fruit is a dry achene, each with a small pappus aiding in wind dispersal. The hooked burrs readily attach to animals and humans, playing a crucial role in the plant's propagation strategy.

Uses and Cultural Significance

While often regarded as a weed, Arctium minus has a long history of use in herbal medicine. The roots are edible when young and are known for their mild, earthy flavor—often used in traditional Japanese cuisine under the name "gobo." Medicinally, the plant is valued for its detoxifying and diuretic properties. It has been used to treat skin conditions, support digestion, and aid in cleansing the blood. The seed burrs also inspired the invention of Velcro due to their natural clinging mechanism.

Photos of this Lesser burdock (Arctium minus) were taken from the following locations:
1) July 2016: War memorial garden, Dublin, Ireland.


Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog icflora.blogspot.com