Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Asteraceae / Compositae ⟩ Arctium lappa / greater burdock

Arctium lappa L.

greater burdock (Asteraceae / Compositae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
WidespreadStrong tendencySE
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Arctium lappa is an old introduction to the British Isles, and can be found throughout the southern half of England and more rarely further north and west.

South Hinksey (VC22: Berkshire); 2014-07-16

 greater burdock / Arctium lappa: _Arctium lappa_ is an old introduction to the British Isles, and can be found throughout the southern half of England and more rarely further north and west.

The inflorescences of Arctium lappa are corymbose – the flower-heads are on stalks of different lengths so that the heads are all at a similar location.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2014-07-17

 greater burdock / Arctium lappa: The inflorescences of _Arctium lappa_ are corymbose – the flower-heads are on stalks of different lengths so that the heads are all at a similar location.

The tips of the phyllaries of Arctium lappa are yellowish brown, whereas those of other Arctium species are purple, at least towards the tip.

Vienna, Austria; 2005-07-21

 greater burdock / Arctium lappa: The tips of the phyllaries of _Arctium lappa_ are yellowish brown, whereas those of other _Arctium_ species are purple, at least towards the tip.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne