Written by Wesley Tateh
I am sure most of us have heard about “invasive species” but what does that really mean? This week is about burdock!
Burdock is in the Asteraceae family and has likely invaded your backyard or favorite camping spot. Arctium is a biennial which means it takes two years to complete its life cycle. The first year it grows only a clump of leaves near the ground – called a basal rosette. The second year, it shoots up a stalk 6-9 feet tall that flowers purple in July and develops into prickly burrs that hitch onto your socks, your jacket, your dog, and your last nerve. This plant thrives in shady areas with moist soil but can also grow in disturbed areas…