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Burdock

Arctium lappa

$9.50

Also known as Greater Burdock and Gobo, this is a tap rooted biennial plant of waste ground, meadows and woodland margins across Europe and Britain. The root can grow deeper than 1 metre, and although the tops die down in winter, the root can survive freezing temperatures. The leaves, which are slightly reminiscent of rhubarb leaves, grow in a low basal rosette the first year, growing enormous in the second year, followed by pinky purple thistle-like flowers in mid-Summer, when the whole plant can reach a height of close to 2 metres. The flowers are followed by round prickly seed pods that form burs which cling to clothing and animals’ fur.

9cm pot

Cultivation

Prefers a fresh, worked soil, rich in humus, in full sun or part shade. The soil  needs to be loose if you intend to harvest the roots. Slightly alkaline soils are preferred.

Uses

Burdock has many uses as a vegetable. Its large leaves can be used like spinach although they have a slightly mucilaginous texture. Immature flower stalks may also be harvested in late spring, before flowers appear. The taste resembles that of globe artichoke, a burdock relative. The roots are eaten raw or cooked and are very crisp with a sweet, mild, and pungent flavour with a little ‘muddy harshness’ that can be reduced by soaking in water for five to ten minutes. They contain about 45% inulin (an indigestible starch – see Jerusalem Artichoke). They are a main ingredient in the dandelion and burdock drink from the British Isles, which is made from the fermented roots of both plants and has been drunk since the Middle ages. In Japan the fermented root is also used for making miso and rice wine. It is known for its liver cleansing properties and is an important detoxifying herb in both Chinese & western medicine.

Medicinal Uses

Burdock is a great balancer of health. It is commonly used for dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It stimulates digestive juices and bile, aiding digestion and also improves kidney function. It can also be used as a compress on wounds and ulcers.

Common Uses: Skin conditions, detoxification, poor digestion, diabetes, anorexia, cystitis, psoriasis, eczema

Primary Actions: Alterative, Bitter tonic, Diuretic, Lymphagogue

Energetics: Slightly cooling, drying, relaxing

History / Folklore / Further Info

The name burdock is derived from ‘burr’ – a prickly seed vessel, and ‘dock’, referring to its large leaves.

Herbie Says

It is said that George de Mestral, the inventor of Velcro, had the idea after examining the seed heads of a burdock plant that had stuck to his dog’s fur. Of course I think it was the dog who had the idea and gave it to his owner! Anyway if you have animals please cut the flower heads off your plants back before they go to seed – we really don’t want them stuck in our fur!

Shipping Advice

N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details. 

Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.

Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.

Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.

Full list of shipping rates HERE

Medical disclaimer

Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.

We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.

Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have. 

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