Arctium minus is a biennial plant growing up to 1.8 metres (6 ft) tall[5][6] and form multiple branches.

[9] The flowers resemble and can be easily mistaken for thistles, but burdock can be distinguished by its extremely large leaves and its hooked bracts.

The plant is native to Europe,[10] but has become introduced elsewhere such as Australia, North and South America, and other places.

[11][12][13][14] The leafstalks (up to a year old), leaves,[6] and flower stalks can be eaten raw or cooked.

The roots are edible boiled with a change of water,[5] though become too woody to eat in plants over a year old.