Tall biennial with heart-shaped leaves and the famous bristly seed burrs that inspired Velcro. Roots are the Japanese vegetable gobo and a traditional blood-purifying medicinal.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 2–9 | −45.6 °C to −1.1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 2–9 | −40 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–5 | −15 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Dynamic accumulator — deep taproot mines iron, potassium, and magnesium from subsoil
- Mature plants are large (1–2 m) and the burrs catch on everything — site away from paths
- Inspiration for Velcro — Swiss engineer George de Mestral analysed burdock burrs after they stuck to his dog's fur
- Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Burdock against your zones