Burdock
Arctium lappa
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Recognized mainly for its burrs, burdock is an interesting biennial plant because it consists primarily of carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins, and fatty oils. Researchers aren't sure which active ingredients in the root are responsible for its healing properties, but this plant may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. In fact, recent studies show that it contains phenolic acids, quercetin and luteolin - all are powerful antioxidants. In its first year this plant has no stem and grows only as a basal rosette of leaves that stays close to the ground the first year and the beginning of the second.
Distinguishing Features
Burdock is best recognized as a stout, common weed with annoying burrs that stick to animal fur and clothing. This plant grows relatively tall therefore having deep roots which are brownish green, or nearly black on the outside. The basal rosette of leaves stays close to the ground the first year and the beginning of the second. These basal rosettes can grow up to 1 metre wide
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Flowers
Burdock has purple flowers on tips of prickly ball of bracts that blooms between June and October. Flower heads are 1 to 3 cm across, composed of purple disc florets surrounded by several rows of overlapping hooked bracts.
Leaves
Large, wavy, heart-shaped leaves that are green on the top and whitish on the bottom makes identification easy. Leaves can grow to 50 centimetres in size.
Height
This plant grows to a height of about 1 – 2 metres tall.
Habitat
Burdock thrives along river banks, disturbed habitats, roadsides, vacant lots, and fields. It grows throughout North America but not in the southern regions.
Edible Parts
First-year roots and second-year stems can be cooked by boiling for about 20 minutes, then season to taste. Before cooking however, the stems should be peeled, and roots scrubbed in order to remove the bitter rind. Immature flower stalks may also be harvested in late spring, before flowers appear; their taste resembles that of artichoke. The Japanese have been known to eat the leaves when it is young and leaves are soft.
Other Name
Common Burdock.
Similar Plants
Recipes
Burdock Brown Rice and Mushrooms, Burdock Jelly, Burdock Root and Miso Soup, Burdock Root Soup, Burdock Shitake Rice, Wild Tonic Tea, Burdock Tuna Salad, Candied Burdock Root, Fermented Burdock and Zucchini Relish , Montreal Smoked Meat Wraps, Spicy Fried Burdock and Celery, Super Stacked Sauerkraut
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