Arctium lappa
greater burdock
An erect, branching plant to 2m, with purplish flowerheads in clusters on the leafy main branches, and dull green leaves. Characteristic brown seedheads
Other common names
beggar's buttonsbur
see moreburdock
burr
clite
clod bur
clot bur
cockle bur
cockle button
cuckle
cuckold
gobo
great bur
great burdock
hardane
hardock
harlock
hurr bur
kiss-me-quick
love leaves
stick-button
cyngaf mawr
Synonyms
Lappa major
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Arctium are robust, tap-rooted biennials with large downy leaves and solitary or clustered thistle-like flower-heads turning into burr-like fruiting heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Ideally grow in moist soil and full sun or partial shade. It will tolerate wide range of soils
Propagation
Propagate by seed; sow in situ in the autumn or early spring. Alternatively, sow in a tray and transplant before the tap-root develops. To improve germination pre- soak or scarify the seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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