Plant of the Week: Burdock – Arctium Minus/Lappa

Written by Wesley Tateh

I am sure most of us have heard about “invasive species” but what does that really mean? This week is about burdock!

Burdock is in the Asteraceae family and has likely invaded your backyard or favorite camping spot. Arctium is a biennial which means it takes two years to complete its life cycle. The first year it grows only a clump of leaves near the ground – called a basal rosette. The second year, it shoots up a stalk 6-9 feet tall that flowers purple in July and develops into prickly burrs that hitch onto your socks, your jacket, your dog, and your last nerve. This plant thrives in shady areas with moist soil but can also grow in disturbed areas.

It is classified as invasive in Wisconsin and spreads quickly, dominating natural areas if uncontrolled. Invasive species are organisms that have been introduced to a new environment and do so well for themselves that they outcompete other plants and result in near monocultures – which can be concerning if the goal of a site is to provide native habitat. If one has a mind to remove this species, they could take a shovel at a 45 degree angle to the base of the plant, and slice through the taproot making sure to get an inch or two below the surface of the soil. This can be done at any time before the plant is in full flower. If there are already burrs on the plant, you have missed the window to dig.

Although it is not ideal to grow this plant, its chemical properties are an important part of traditional medicine. It is known to reduce fevers, has anti-inflammatory effects, and can be a source of homeopathic treatments for skin conditions like eczema. Despite burdock being an invasive, this plant teaches us that just because it is nonnative, does not make it entirely useless. However, it is still important to dig them out before it turns natural areas into monoculture.