Burdock Starter Plant - Gobo - Arctium lappa

Name: Burdock, Greater Burdock, Gobo

Scientific Name: Arctium lappa

Family Name: Asteraceae

Product Description:

Arctium lappa is a robust biennial with large, heart‑shaped basal leaves and tall, branching flower stalks in its second year. The leaves are coarse and broad, giving the plant a bold, almost prehistoric look. In summer, it produces rounded purple flower heads surrounded by hooked bracts that form the familiar “burrs.” The long taproot is thick and fleshy, and the plant’s size and structure make it a distinctive presence in wild areas, meadows, and naturalized landscapes.

Origination: Native to Europe and Asia; naturalized widely in North America

Historic Uses: Ornamental wildflower, naturalized landscapes, root vegetable in some cultures

Height: 3–6 feet tall in bloom

Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9 (grown as an annual root crop in all zones)

Flower Color: Purple

Maturity: Biennial; forms a basal rosette the first year, flowers and sets burrs the second year

Other Names: Greater Burdock, Gobo, Edible Burdock

Growing Conditions:

Grow in full sun to light shade. Prefers deep, loose, well‑drained soil, especially if grown for its long taproot. Tolerates poor or disturbed soils and naturalizes readily. Remove flower heads if you want to prevent burrs and spreading. Excellent for wild gardens, root harvest, or naturalized plantings.

Ships in 3" pots. You will receive a plant similar to the ones pictured, though size and fullness may vary. Please understand that shipped plants have bumpy rides. A few broken leaves or small stems are normal during shipping and are not considered damage. Broken stems can be rooted once the cut end dries to start new growth. Plants may arrive semi‑dormant, and in winter they may naturally drop a few leaves. If your plant arrives rotting or dead, we will replace it. Please contact us with photo proof within 24 hours of delivery. After 24 hours, plant care becomes the buyer’s responsibility, though we’re always happy to answer questions and help you succeed. We also add brief instructions on getting started when you open your box. We want our plant babies to have happy new homes! 🥰

Heat packs are available to purchase in our shop for cold-sensitive plants. Keep in mind some plants we carry are very tropical and even cold, not freezing, temperatures can kill them. 📌IF YOU EXPECT COLD WEATHER, PLEASE PURCHASE A HEAT PACK! 📌 These are necessary for winter shipping, so I sell them at cost. I won't refund or replace any frozen plants unless you buy one!

❗Please Read!❗

Items cannot be shipped to CALIFORNIA or ARIZONA easily due to state import laws. All plants shipped there must be inspected before entry. Seed-grown herbaceous plants may not survive transit. I cannot guarantee herbaceous plant orders from these states, so order at your own risk. Hoyas, cacti, and succulents are an exception. My apologies for any inconvenience.