Burdock
''Arctium'' is a genus of biennial plants commonly known as burdock, family Asteraceae. Native to Europe and Asia, several species have been widely introduced worldwide. Burdock's clinging properties, in addition to providing an excellent mechanism for seed dispersal, led to the invention of the hook and loop fastener. Description Plants of the genus ''Arctium'' have dark green leaves that can grow up to long. They are generally large, coarse, and ovate, with the lower ones being heart-shaped. They are woolly underneath. The leafstalks are generally hollow. ''Arctium'' species generally flower from July through October. Burdock flowers provide essential pollen and nectar for honeybees around August, when clover is on the wane and before the goldenrod starts to bloom. Burdock's clinging properties make it an excellent mechanism for seed dispersal. Taxonomy A large number of species have been placed in genus ''Arctium'' at one time or another, but most of them are now class ...
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