Arctium lappa / Arctium minus
Habitat:
Waste ground, hedgerows, field edges
Season:
Roots: Autumn – early spring (first year plants)
Identification:
Large, heart-shaped leaves with a pale underside. Burr-like seed heads in second year.
Edible Parts:
Roots (first year only)
Uses:
Root vegetable (traditionally used in Japanese cooking), soups, stir-fries
Lookalikes & Cautions:
Very distinctive; few dangerous lookalikes.
Ethical Notes:
Harvest selectively; roots require digging — minimise disturbance.
