SafePlants

Lesser Burdock (Arctium minus)

Lesser burdock, scientifically known as Arctium minus, is a common biennial plant with several common names reflecting its distinctive burrs and widespread presence. This article provides a comprehensive overview of its taxonomy, distribution, morphology, ecology, and uses.

Common Names

• Lesser Burdock
• Burweed
• Louse-bur
• Common Burdock
• Button-bur
• Cuckoo-button
• Wild Rhubarb
• Beggar's Buttons
• Cocklebur
• Fox's Clote
• Hardock

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arctium minus
• Family: Asteraceae (also known as Compositae or Daisy Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonym: Lappa minor Hill
• Alternative Scientific Name: Arctium lappa ssp. minus (sometimes used)

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is known for its burrs, which have hooked bracts and can easily attach to animal fur.

Distribution and Habitat

• Lesser burdock is native to Europe but has been introduced and is now widespread in North America.
• It is commonly found on roadsides, woodland edges, waste ground, and along abandoned railways.
• The plant is described as ubiquitous in all but very acid soils.

Ecological Role

• Lesser burdock is considered an invasive species, particularly in North America. It can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.
• It's also considered a competitive wildflower, useful for growing on fertile sites such as riverbanks.
• The plant is closely related to thistles.

Morphological Characteristics

• Lesser burdock is a biennial plant, forming a rosette of leaves in its first year and a tall, flowering stem in its second.
• It can grow to a medium to tall height, reaching up to 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet). Some sources state it can reach up to 6 feet tall.
• The stems are hairy, often reddish, with down-curved branches.
• Basal leaves are large, reaching up to 50 cm (approximately 20 inches) with hollow stalks.
• Flowers are purple and grow in short-stemmed clusters.
• After flowering, the plant produces burrs with hooked bracts.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant attracts pollinators and is considered perfect for them.
• The insect community that inhabits the flower heads has been studied, for example, in Monks Wood NNR, Cambridgeshire, England.
• The Burnished Brass moth (Diachrysia chrysitis) eats Lesser Burdock (Arctium minus).

Uses

• The root of both Lesser Burdock (Arctium minus) and Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa) can be used as a tasty addition to stir fries.
• The plant has been traditionally used for herbal purposes. Nettle extract and Lesser Burdock are used in moisturizing creams.

Additional Resources

• Plants of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden: A public wildflower garden in the United States.
• Dave's Garden: A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arctium minus.
• APHOTOFLORA: A Photographic Stock Library Page for Arctium minus.