Plants Pacific Northwest

Arctium Minus - Burdock

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Arctium Minus: Burdock.

Burdock spends its first year of life as a large rosette of beautiful heart-shaped leaves (up to 12 inches long). During second year growth, the plant grows enormously, often reaching 6 to 10 feet in height while branching out to produce multitudes of purple tufted globes (that some what resemble the thistle). The globes produce seed-bearing burrs at the upper leaf axils and branch ends. Each burr contains several black seeds surrounded by reverse-hooked spines that enable them to stick to anything that brushes by. The whole plant is covered in tiny hairs, giving the leaves and stem a feel like fine sand paper. The brown taproot may weigh 2 or 3 pounds and extend 2 or more feet beneath the ground surface. It blooms midsummer to late summer.

The burdock is rich in vitamins and iron and was brought to North America as a food crop. It is still popular as a vegetable in Europe and Asia. All of the plant is edible. The roots can be peeled, sliced, and served in stir-fry or soup. The stems can be peeled and steamed, the leaves can be boiled and served much like a spinach dish. The younger plants are more desirable as tender food stuff.

The Chinese used Burdock root as a "blood purifier", and a liver tonic. It is useful for problems such as water retention, rheumatoid conditions, skin disorders attributed to liver dysfunction, high blood pressure, and good nutrition.