Lesser Burdock

Arctium minus

Physical Characteristics

Arctium minus is a BIENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and the Caucasus.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Stem Edible Uses: Coffee Burdock is a high-value wild food, though not all parts are equally palatable. The roots are the most important edible portion, ranking among the top ten wild foods. First-year roots are preferred, dug before stems form, and can even be spotted in winter beneath snow by the massive egg-shaped leaves. Fresh roots are dull white with brown skins, tasting earthy and starchy with mild resins. They are tough when raw but soften to carrot-like firmness after boiling 1–2 hours. They are excellent in soups, stews, or stir-fries. The leaf stalks and stems are also edible. Young stalks resemble celery in size and texture, though their flavor leans toward artichoke with a salty-bitter accent. Boiling softens the cobweb-like hairs, and the stalks can be used as vegetables. The pith of young stems is soft and mild, though extracting it is difficult. Older stems become extremely fibrous and woody [2-3]. The leaf blades, though large and visually impressive (up to 30 × 50 cm), are less desirable. They are bitter, salty, and mucilaginous, with boiling only slightly improving flavor. They are not suitable as vegetables, though they can be used in survival contexts [2-3]. Overall, burdock roots are the star food part, while stems and stalks provide a secondary vegetable resource. Leaves are best avoided [2-3]. Root - raw or cooked[62, 85]. The best roots are obtained from young plants[85]. Usually peeled and sliced[183]. The roasted root is a coffee substitute[183]. Young leaves and leaf stems - raw or cooked[85]. Used as a potherb[183]. Mucilaginous. It is best to remove the rind from the stem[85]. Young flowering stem - peeled and eaten raw or cooked like asparagus[177, 183]. Seed sprouts[55]. No further details. Edibility rating: 4/5 – Roots excellent, stalks useful, leaves poor. According to USDA data (for greater burdock, Arctium lappa, but closely comparable): 100 g of raw root provides ~72 kcal, 1.5 g protein, 17 g carbohydrates, and useful amounts of potassium (308 mg), calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins.

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Antibacterial Antifungal Aperient Blood purifier Carminative Cholagogue Diaphoretic Diuretic Eczema Hypoglycaemic Burdock is one of the foremost detoxifying herbs in both Chinese and Western herbal medicine[254]. Arctium lappa is the main species used, though this species has similar properties[254]. The dried root of one year old plants is the official herb, but the leaves and fruits can also be used[4]. It is used to treat conditions caused by an 'overload' of toxins, such as throat and other infections, boils, rashes and other skin problems[254]. The root is thought to be particularly good at helping to eliminate heavy metals from the body[254]. The plant is antibacterial, antifungal and carminative[9, 21, 147, 165, 176]. It has soothing, mucilaginous properties and is said to be one of the most certain cures for many types of skin diseases, burns, bruises etc[4, 244]. It is used in the treatment of herpes, eczema, acne, impetigo, ringworm, boils, bites etc[244]. The plant can be taken internally as an infusion, or used externally as a wash[244]. Use with caution[165]. One-year old roots are alterative, aperient, blood purifier, cholagogue, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stomachic[218, 222]. The seed is alterative, antibacterial, antifungal, antiphlogistic, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic and hypoglycaemic[176, 218]. It is used in the treatment of colds with sore throat and cough, measles, pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis and abscesses[176]. The crushed seed is poulticed onto bruises[222]. The seed is harvested in the summer and dried for later use[254]. The seed contains arctiin, this excites the central nervous system producing convulsions an increase in respiration and later paralysis. It also lowers the blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels[176]. The leaves are poulticed onto burns, ulcers and sores[222].

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this plant, some caution is advised due to the following report for the closely related A. lappa[K]. Care should be taken if harvesting the seed in any quantity since tiny hairs from the seeds can be inhaled and these are toxic[205].