looduskalender.ee

 

Downy burdock

 

 

Downy burdock is the most common species in Estonia but three more burdock species grow here.

 

Burdock leaves catch the eye by their size; cordate (heart-shaped) or ovate (rounded), slightly shiny on top and downy-woolly on the underside. In the tip of each plant stem is a cluster or corymb of „flowers“, capitulas: dark red at flowering, with blue stamen tips.

 

The burdock is „burry“, hooking on to the fur of animals as well as to our clothes. No problem to spread like this!

 

 

Translator’s note: The velcro hook-and-loop fastening system is called „kardborreband“, burdock fastening band, in Swedish: the inventor was inspired by studying burdock burrs caught in his dog’s fur.