Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Burdock
MainColor	Violet
PlantType	Herb
Growth Type	Cultivated
Season	July
ImageUrl	Arctium-001
Photographer	DP
Location
Human Toxicity	Non_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

A biennial herb with large, coarse leaves and purple thistle-like flower heads that develop into burrs. Found along hedgerows, waste ground, and roadsides in the UK.

Distribution

Native to Europe and naturalised widely in the UK.

Medicinal/Other Uses

Roots and seeds used in traditional herbal medicine for detoxification, skin conditions, and digestive health.

Edibility  

Roots are edible and sometimes foraged (similar to Arctium lappa, Greater Burdock).

Human Toxicity

Generally safe, though burrs can become entangled in pet fur and cause irritation. Excessive ingestion of seeds may be harmful.

Pet Toxicity

Mild concern – burrs can cause mechanical irritation to pets; ingestion of plant parts in large amounts may upset the stomach.

Active Compounds

Inulin, polyacetylenes, bitter glycosides.