SafePlants

Woolly Burdock

Arctium tomentosum, commonly known as woolly burdock or downy burdock, is a biennial plant belonging to the daisy family.

Considerations for Pets

• Woolly burdock has "velcro like hooks" which can attach to animal fur.

Considerations for Children

• Woolly burdock has "velcro like hooks" which can attach to clothing and hair.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arctium tomentosum Mill.
• Common Names: Woolly Burdock, Downy Burdock, Cotton Burdock
• Family: Daisy Family (Compositae), subfamily Carduoideae (formerly Aster Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Tracheophyta (also mentioned as Magnoliaphyta)
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Asterales
• Note: Burdock is sometimes spelled "Burrdock".

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Eurasia, ranging from Spain to Xinjiang Province.
• Also found in Europe and western Asia.
• Introduced to North America from Europe.
• Common in lower sections of all Polish mountain ranges.
• Found in meadows.
• Observed in nature reserves in Vsters, Sweden.

Ecological Role

• Can be distinguished from other burdocks (Arctium) by its abundant cobwebby hairs.
• The "great burdock" (Arctium lappa) and woolly burdock are naturalized, with woolly burdock being considered less weedy.
• Spread by large mammals after the Ice Age.

Morphological Characteristics

• Tall biennial, reaching up to 2.5 meters in height. The "great" burdock is said to grow to nine feet.
• Fleshy tap-root can grow up to 1 meter long.
• Distinguished by abundant cobwebby hairs that cover the floral parts.
• Possesses velcro-like hooks.
• Bracts are described as "smooth or woolly".

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Subject to damage by bean aphids (Aphis fabae).
• Bees are observed on blooming plants.

Further Information

• Referenced in the Inventory of Canadian Agricultural Weeds (2003).