Foxglove
Toxic · do not eatFoxglove rosettes have softer, toothed leaves without burdock's heart shape and hollow stalks; toxic.
Extra care needed
Greater burdock.
Arctium lappa
Also found as Greater burdock · Gobo
A large biennial with huge heart-shaped leaves and hooked burrs, grown and foraged for its long taproot.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Young rosettes can resemble foxglove and deadly nightshade leaves. Confirm burrs from last year nearby.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 11,677
- People who recorded it
- 6,177
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Jun–Aug
- Records span
- 1987–2026
| January | 260 |
|---|---|
| February | 222 |
| March | 269 |
| April | 852 |
| May | 742 |
| June | 1075 |
| July | 3776 |
| August | 2633 |
| September | 897 |
| October | 469 |
| November | 274 |
| December | 192 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
First-year rosette of very large, heart-shaped leaves, woolly and pale underneath.
- 02
Second-year tall branched stems with purple thistle-like flower heads.
- 03
Round burrs covered in hooked bracts that cling to clothing.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb leaves are toxic; burdock leaves are woolly underneath.
Use the botanical sourceSelected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native to Eurasia; widely naturalized in temperate regions.
Watch the plant stage
Dig roots from first-year plants in autumn or early spring.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Root · Young stalk
Peel and cook roots of first-year plants. Peeled young flower stalks are cooked like artichoke.
Care for the patch
Dig only where you have permission, and refill holes.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Arctium lappaBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Arctium lappaTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction