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Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District Greater Burdock The non-native (European) Great Burdock is common in our area. It prefers full sun and is often found in pasture edges or waste areas with disturbed soil. This biennial is 2-9' tall with a thick grooved stalk and large rhubarb-like leaves. The upper stems terminate in small clusters of flowerheads on short stalks. Each thistle-like flowerhead is ¾–1" across with numerous reddish-purple or pink disk florets and floral bracts that have narrow hooked tips. Each tiny disk floret has a corolla that is narrowly cylindrical with 5 slender upright petals at the apex. A slender white style split at its tip is strongly exerted from the corolla. The fertilized flowers later produce brown, spiky seed pods ("burs") that stick to animal fur and clothing.
Great Burdock at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve July 9, 2012
Great Burdock at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve July 9, 2012
Great Burdock closely resembles Common Burdock except it grows larger and the individual bur-heads have longer stalks. Though it originated in Eurasia, Great Burdock (and Common Burdock) was adopted and used by Native Americans for centuries. Its roots have long been eaten around the world as a vegetable and has many medicinal uses in treatment of gastrointestinal ailments and respiratory problems. The Native American uses included crushing the roots and leaves for skin sores and ulcers, as a tea for rheumatism, and as a blood purifier. But it was well known that it should be avoided if pregnant or nursing. Click here for more information. Copyright © 2011-2017 by Kendall County Forest Preserve District. All Rights Reserved. |
