Lesser Burdock is a
native
biennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodlands, hedgerows and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 150cm.
Burdock takes its name from the prickly burrs on its seedheads, used to aid seed dispersal by catching onto birds and animals coming into contact with the plant. Lesser Burdock is a native plant, unlike the related Greater Burdock. Lesser Burdock may be distinguished from Greater Burdock by: its shorter height; smaller lower leaves; shorter flower stalks; smaller flowerheads; and uneven placement of flowerheads into tight clusters.
Botanic classification and naming: Lesser Burdock is a member of the Daisy (Asteraceae) family. The genus name
'Arctium' identifies the plant as a Burdock, a plant with burrs covering its seedheads and its species name 'minus' means 'rather small-sized'.
Concerns: Burdock burrs are sometimes eaten by horses and can cause significant damage to the digestive system. Burrs are also reported to ensnare birds, causing death.
Benefits: Burdock provides nectar and pollen for Honey bees in mid-summer, at a time when sources are diminished. Caterpillars of several species of butterfly and moth also feed on this plant.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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