Burdock, Takinogawa

Biennial. Arctium lappa

50 seeds per packet.

Burdock is a totally undervalued plant here in the West, although it has a rich history of use in Japan, where it is called "Gobo". Roots grow 2-4' long and as thick as a large carrot, although it is hard to harvest the entire root and usually you end up snapping off half of it in the ground. There is still plenty left to cook (tastes like an earth carrot) or peel and dry and use for tea or infusions. Known as a blood purifier and a perfect example of let thy food be thy medicine, more people should be growing and eating burdock in this world full of toxins! Plants are humble in their first year but explode in their second year to 7-8' tall giants with flowers that resemble thistle and mature into sticky hooked seedpods that were the inspiration for the creation of Velcro. Absolutely awesome plants that should be grown more often and celebrated.