Woolly Burdock
Arctium tomentosum
Also listed as Arctium leptophyllum, Lappa tomentosa
Also known as Wooly Burdock, Cotton Burdock, Hairy Burdock
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A biennial or short-lived perennial with large, coarse woolly leaves and purple thistle-like flowers. It is a robust plant often found in disturbed areas and valued for its architectural foliage.
Why grow it
Woolly Burdock offers substantial architectural foliage and a robust growth habit suited to poor soils and disturbed sites where many ornamentals struggle. Compared to common burdock (Arctium lappa), its notably woolly leaves provide a softer textural quality while maintaining similar vigor and self-seeding capability. The purple flowers attract pollinators over a long season, making it useful for wildlife-focused designs rather than purely ornamental schemes.
Watch out for
This plant produces numerous viable seeds that may distribute readily in informal settings, so deadheading before seed maturation helps prevent unexpected spread into adjacent plantings. The large leaves and substantial root system require adequate space and moisture during establishment, particularly in the first season, to develop the architectural quality the plant is grown for.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A biennial or short-lived perennial with large, coarse woolly leaves and purple thistle-like flowers. It is a robust plant often found in disturbed areas and valued for its architectural foliage.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Woolly Burdock grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Woolly Burdock offers substantial architectural foliage and a robust growth habit suited to poor soils and disturbed sites where many ornamentals struggle. Compared to common burdock (Arctium lappa), its notably woolly leaves provide a softer textural quality while maintaining similar vigor and self-seeding capability. The purple flowers attract pollinators over a long season, making it useful for wildlife-focused designs rather than purely ornamental schemes.
Watch out for
This plant produces numerous viable seeds that may distribute readily in informal settings, so deadheading before seed maturation helps prevent unexpected spread into adjacent plantings. The large leaves and substantial root system require adequate space and moisture during establishment, particularly in the first season, to develop the architectural quality the plant is grown for.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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