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Woolly Burdock (Arctium tomentosum) |
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Arctium lappa Woolly Burdock is most likely to be confused with Great Burdock. The spines (bracts) of the flower heads are hairy. In contrasts the spines of Great Burdock are naked. The lower leaf stalks of Woolly Burdock are solid, but those of Woolly Burdock are hollow. Woolly Burdock (Arctium tomentosum) Alien: Native of Europe. Identification: Flower heads round, thistlelike, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, covered with hairy spines hooked at the apex. Flower florets elongate, purple. Heads located on long stalks in relatively flat-topped clusters. Lower leaves heart-shaped with hollow leaf stalks without a groove on the upper surface. Upper leaves commonly with curled edges. Plant 4 to 8 feet in height. Distribution: Locally distributed in southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Also known from Oregon and Colorado. Habitat: Woolly Burdock is a weedy species found in a variety of disturbed habitats such as fields and roadsides. Flowering period: July to September. Note: The flower heads (or burs), when dry, are easily detached and become attached to passing mammals such as ourselves. The flower heads become stuck to fur and sweaters because of the hooks on the flower head bracts. Thus mother nature anticipated the invention of Velcro. The detachable flower heads are a form of seed dispersal. |
Woolly Burdock (Arctium tomentosum)
Similar Species: Great Burdock (Arctium lappa)
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Similar Species |
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