Common Burdock

Description:

Common Burdock is a plant with some of the largest leaves in the UK countryside. Our example were 22cm, but I believe they can grow to more than twice that size, about a metre across the plant. Seed heads develop into burrs that are very effective at sticking to clothing or fur.

Habitat:

Along river banks, roadsides, vacant land and fields in the UK and wider. Pictured here at the fringe of a woodland on the edge of a car park.

Notes:

Long renowned for healing powers, Burdocks plant may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Combined with dendilions to make very a popular, "traditional" (pre-cola) soft drink. Burdocks are incredibly tough, when tackjled in mature state will defeat a nylon brushcutter line!