Arctium lappa, Greater Burdock Herb - Live Plant

Deep Detox Root with Edible Greens and Pollinator Power

Greater Burdock, also known as Gobo, is a powerful medicinal and culinary plant grown for its nutrient-rich taproot, edible young shoots and leaves, and striking thistle-like appearance. Widely used in Asian, European, and herbal traditions, Burdock root is prized for its ability to support liver function, detoxify the blood, and aid digestion. In Japan, it’s a staple veggie known as Gobo, commonly stir-fried, pickled, or simmered in stews.

This biennial herb forms a rosette of large, velvety green leaves in its first year, then sends up a towering flower stalk in year two, blooming with purple, pollinator-attracting flowers that develop into the iconic burrs that inspired Velcro. The deep roots break up heavy soils and mine nutrients, making Burdock a great addition to regenerative gardens and food forests.

Easy to grow and adaptable, Burdock thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, especially when given loose, deep ground to develop long, straight roots. Harvest the roots in the first year for best flavor and medicinal potency.

This plant ships in plantable coconut coir pots or recyclable nursery pots! Just pop them in the ground or reuse and recycle. Look in the photos for a pot size guide.