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Description
Arctium Lappaceum, also known as greater burdock, is a biennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been naturalized in North America and other regions. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has large leaves that are heart-shaped and hairy. The flowers are pinkish-purple and bloom from June to October. The plant also produces a prickly burr that contains seeds, which can stick to clothing and animal fur.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Arctium |
Appearance
Arctium Lappaceum has large, heart-shaped, and hairy leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has a stout stem that is also hairy. The flowers are pinkish-purple and are arranged in clusters that can be up to 3 feet long. The plant also produces a prickly burr that contains seeds, which can stick to clothing and animal fur. The burrs can be up to 2 inches long and are brownish-green in color.
Care Guide
Arctium Lappaceum is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:Water: The plant prefers moist soil, but it can survive in drier conditions. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote growth.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun, but it can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Arctium Lappaceum is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to the following:Pests: aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetlesDiseases: powdery mildew and leaf spotTo prevent these problems, make sure to keep the plant healthy and well-watered. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.
Habitat
Arctium Lappaceum is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been naturalized in North America and other regions. It grows in a variety of habitats, including fields, roadsides, and waste areas. The plant prefers moist soil and full sun, but it can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Arctium Lappaceum edible?
A: Yes, the young leaves and stems are edible and can be cooked or eaten raw.
Q: What is the medicinal use of Arctium Lappaceum?
A: The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including skin conditions, respiratory problems, and digestive issues.
Q: How long does it take for Arctium Lappaceum to flower?
A: The plant typically flowers in its second year of growth.
Q: Can Arctium Lappaceum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but it will require a large pot and regular watering.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Arctium Lappaceum:- Arctium minus (lesser burdock)- Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle)- Carduus nutans (musk thistle)- Silybum marianum (milk thistle)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Arctium Lappaceum. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b500- Plants for a Future. (n.d.). Arctium Lappaceum – L. Retrieved from https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Arctium+lappa- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Arctium Lappaceum L. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ARLA2
