Lesser Burdock
Arctium minus
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Pl. 33A6 — Arctium minus
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IOverview
Overview
Lesser Burdock (Arctium minus) is a biennial herb native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria, among others. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH of 7–7.5, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions. This plant can grow up to 1 meter tall and is known for its edible parts, which include leaves, roots, seeds, and stems. Native to the Mediterranean and extending eastward, Lesser Burdock is widely distributed across Europe and parts of Asia. Its distinctive features include spiny seed heads that give it a unique appearance, setting it apart from other plants in the Asteraceae family.
Quick answers
What is Lesser Burdock?
Lesser Burdock (Arctium minus) is a biennial herb native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria, among others. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH of 7–7.5, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions.
What is Lesser Burdock used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, topical & skin. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Lesser Burdock
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Lesser Burdock has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support digestion, often prepared as a decoction. It is believed to aid in the breakdown of food and alleviate digestive discomfort.
The mechanism by which Lesser Burdock supports digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that stimulate gastric secretions or improve gut motility.
- Lesser Burdock has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine for topical applications to support skin health, often prepared as a poultice or salve. It is believed to help soothe and heal irritated skin.
The mechanism by which Lesser Burdock supports skin health is not fully characterised but may involve anti-inflammatory compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Skin Soothe
skintincture
Traditionally used for skin irritations and rashes.
Digestive Ease
digestiondecoction
Historically used to aid digestion and soothe the stomach.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lesser Burdock thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7-7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4 to 8. This biennial plant grows up to 1 meter tall and can be propagated by seed. Ensure it receives plenty of light for best growth. Water regularly, especially during the growing season, to maintain moist soil conditions. The edible parts include leaves, root, seed, and stem, making this a versatile addition to your garden.
Light
9/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Lesser Burdock for the first time
8steps
Start with Lesser Burdock as a simple, hardy addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is moist, light to heavy, with a pH of 7–7.5. Loosen the soil if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep or transplant young plants, spacing them about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and monitor for any signs of pests or diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems in late winter to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootSeedStem
Edible uses: Coffee
Other uses:textilesDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe19 regions
native (19)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsPortugalRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)AfghanistanIranIraq
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Lebanon-Syria, Czechoslovakia, Altay, Baltic States
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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