Arctium nemorosum

'Wood Burdock'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Asteraceae: Biennial herb. Strong taproot growing to 100–250 cm. Found waste ground, verges, and hedgerows. Flowers form 3–4.5 cm (1.2–1.8 in.) wide, with purple–red florets projecting beyond the greenish-yellow, hooked, spiny bracts, on open spikes from July-September. The fruits are burs, with hooked spines, that cling onto animal fur and aid dispersal. Heart shaped leaves, with hollow stalks. Widespread and common throughout the country. Native to Europe to Caucasus, including Britain.

USES:

The root can be eaten raw or cooked, the best roots are obtained from young plants. These are usually peeled and sliced. The roasted root can also be used as a coffee substitute.

Burdock is one of the foremost detoxifying herbs in both Chinese and Western herbal medicine. The dried root of one year old plants is the official herb, but the leaves and fruits can also be use. It is used to treat conditions caused by an 'overload' of toxins, such as throat and other infections, boils, rashes and other skin problems. The root is thought to be particularly good at helping to eliminate heavy metals from the body. The plant is antibacterial, antifungal and carminative.

GROWING INFORMATION:

The seed best sown in situ in the autumn but can also be sown in spring. Germination can be erratic, but I find them very quick and easy to germinate. Succeeds in most soils when grown in partial shade to full sun. Prefers a moist neutral to alkaline.

Attractive to bees.

HARVESTED: 2021*

 

APPROX. 45 SEEDS