Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh.
Beggar's Button
Lesser burdock is a native British wildflower, a sturdy biennial of the daisy family found on waste ground, woodland edges, hedgerows, riverbanks and roadside verges throughout much of the country. In its first year it forms a rosette of very large, heart-shaped, rhubarb-like leaves; in its second it produces a tall, branching, often reddish stem carrying egg-shaped flower heads of purple florets, each cradled in a globe of stiff, hooked bracts.
About
Lesser burdock is a native British wildflower, a sturdy biennial of the daisy family found on waste ground, woodland edges, hedgerows, riverbanks and roadside verges throughout much of the country. In its first year it forms a rosette of very large, heart-shaped, rhubarb-like leaves; in its second it produces a tall, branching, often reddish stem carrying egg-shaped flower heads of purple florets, each cradled in a globe of stiff, hooked bracts. These hooked burs cling tenaciously to fur and clothing and famously inspired the invention of Velcro.
It grows readily in sun or partial shade on most fertile, often disturbed soils. Flowering in mid to late summer, the thistle-like heads provide nectar for bees and butterflies, while the seeds are relished by finches such as goldfinches in autumn. A characterful plant for wilder corners, hedge bottoms and wildlife areas, it adds bold structure and supports insects and seed-eating birds alike.
Also known as
Burdock · Common Burdock · Cuckoo-button · Lesser Burdock · Lesser Burrdock
Synonyms
Arctium chabertii · Arctium chabertii aellenianum · Arctium chabertii chabertii · Arctium chabertii corsicum · Arctium degenii · Arctium euminus · Arctium gallicum · Arctium lappa · Arctium minus eumediterraneum · Arctium minus euminus · Arctium minus minus
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.