plant

Greater burdock

Arctium lappa

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Greater burdock (Arctium lappa) — a plant, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermoderate

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomasshigh
Shademoderate

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceEmergence of seedlings in spring after the last frost and when soil temperatures consistently reach 5°C.
floweringFlowering occurs in mid-summer, typically starting in July, triggered by lengthening photoperiods.
fruitingFruits (burrs) develop approximately one month after flowering and mature over two months.
senescenceAbove-ground parts die back with the first autumn frosts.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained to moist
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, sulfur
Soil textureloam, clay
Organic matterHigh
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseed
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationcold stratification recommended
Self-seedingModerate

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, butterflies, beneficial insects
Can host pestsaphids, slugs
Can host diseasespowdery mildew