Also known as Beggar's-Buttons · Brusture · Burdock
Arctium lappa, Great Burdock, is a biennial herb with large leaves and a deep taproot. It produces purple flowers and clinging burrs. Roots and young shoots are edible an
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun, tolerates partial shade.
80% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during growth. Water deeply when dry.
70% intensity
Deep, rich, well-drained loamy soil.
50% intensity
Tolerates temperate climates, ideal 15-25 °C.
60% intensity
Outdoor
50% intensity
Generally low need if soil is rich; light organic fertilizer in spring if needed.
30% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Not considered toxic to humans or pets. The burrs can cause mechanical irritation or entanglement.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Great Burdock prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its active growth phases in spring and summer. Water deeply when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.
Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Established plants can tolerate short periods of drought, but regular watering promotes healthier growth and larger roots for harvest.
Pruning for Great Burdock primarily involves removing flower stalks in the first year to encourage root development if growing for harvest.
In the second year, after flowering and seed set, the entire plant will die back. Removing spent flower heads can prevent excessive self-seeding, which helps manage its spread and weed potential in garden settings.
Great Burdock is primarily propagated by seed. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in late autumn or early spring. They require light to germinate, so sow them shallowly, barely covering with soil.
Ensure consistent moisture during germination. It readily self-seeds, so managing its spread is often more of a concern than active propagation.
As a large, taprooted biennial, Great Burdock is not typically grown in pots or repotted. Its deep root system requires ample space in the ground to develop properly.
Attempting to grow it in containers would severely restrict root growth and overall plant size, making it unsuitable for its natural growth habit and for root harvest.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Arctium |
| Species | Arctium lappa |
Similar in genus Arctium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
