Interesting facts

Greater Burdock gets its scientific name from the shaggy appearance of the heads produced by the numerous hooked barbs. "Arctium" is derived from the Greek word arctos = bear, lappa means rough. The suffix "dock" in the common name refers to the large leaves which resemble those of dock plants (Rumex).

Greater Burdock can also be eaten. The young shoots make a tasty salad. And the roots can be eaten as a vegetable like salsify. During the war it was roasted and used as coffee substitute.

In Franconia, cows which were taken to the bull had consecrated garlands of Burdock attached to their tails to prevent witches from doing the animals any harm.

Incidentally, you can have fun with children making little dolls out of the flowerheads.