Burdock (Arctium minus)

Edibility:Edible

Eating notes: This plant is most known for it large root. This can be baked or peeled, sliced and steamed. It was also a main ingredient of the traditional root-beer Dandelion & Burdock. 

As well as the root the young leaf stems can be eaten (once peeled).

This plant is commonly seen around woodland edges and waste-ground. In the autumn the tall flower stems hold the distinctive burs from which it gets its name.

Height: 60 - 140cm

Leaves: Very large (up to 60cm), heart-shaped.

Flowers: Many large, pink, thistle-style flowers

Stems: Early spring growth produces a basal growth of very large leaves, reminiscent of rhubarb. During summer branching stems grow holding smaller leaves and the flowers.

Look-a-likes: Just the size of the leaves make this plant difficult to mistake for anything else.