Lesser burdock (Arctium minus) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

About

More Info

Weed Control

Distribution

Care FAQ

More About How-Tos

Related Plants

Plant Encyclopedia > Lesser burdock

Lesser burdock

Arctium minus

Also known as : Cuckoo-button, Button-bur

Lesser burdock (Arctium minus) grows flower bracts similar to those of thistle with small hooks arrayed all about to help it spread its seeds. If the hooks look like Velcro, that's no surprise; burdocks were reportedly the original inspiration for the fastener material. With adequate preparation, the roots are edible. The lesser burdock is also an important food source for painted lady butterfly caterpillars.

Hardiness Zones

4 to 10

Weeds

Key Facts About Lesser burdock

Feedback

Attributes of Lesser burdock

Lifespan

Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Planting Time

Fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

Fall, Winter

Plant Height

50 cm to 3 m

Spread

1 m

Leaf Color

Green

White

Flower Size

2 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Purple

Fruit Color

Brown

Stem Color

Green

Red

Dormancy

Winter dormancy

Leaf type

Deciduous

Ideal Temperature

20 - 35 ℃

Growth Season

Summer, Fall

Growth Rate

Rapid

Name story

Lesser burdock

This plant is very "sticky". If you happen to encounter the plant, you must be careful with its dry flower head as its outer bracts can easily hook on to your clothes like a magical sticker. The word, burdock is formed by the combination of burry and dock in which burry is referred to its hooked tips while the dock is used to describe common grass weed. Its specific epithet, minus means "smaller". Hence, it is called the lesser burdock.

Symbolism

Abundance, protection

Usages

Garden Use

Primarily considered a weed, the thistle-like lesser burdock still has its place in wildlife gardens and wildflower meadows because of its ecological role as a food plant for pollinators and birds. However, many consider it undesirable due to its seedheads with hooked bracts that burrow deep into clothes and animal fur. Thus, lesser burdock should be planted or left to grow away from garden paths and beyond the reach of pets.

Trivia and Interesting Facts

The invention of hook-and-loop fastener (commonly known under the trademark Velcro) is related to burdock. In 1941, a Swiss inventor George de Mestral was hiking in the Swiss Alps when he noticed that his clothes were covered in burs of the burdock plant. He examined the plant later and came to an idea to use the sticking principle for making a gripping mechanism.

Scientific Classification of Lesser burdock

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Family

Daisy

Genus

Burdock

Species

Lesser burdock

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Weed Control About Lesser burdock

Feedback

Weeds

A well-known tall biennial plant native to Europe, lesser burdock has successfully spread outside of its range and is now an invasive weed in the Americas, Australia, and other locations. Its main means of spread is through seedheads covered in tiny hooks, giving them the ability to stick to animal fur and human clothes. Interestingly, this trait of lesser burdock has directly inspired the invention of Velcro. It is a hardy plant that thrives in fields and on disturbed land. It is often removed as a weed even from inhabited areas in its native range because of its spiked leaf bracts, sticky seedheads, and commonly tall and dense growth.

How to Control it

The best time to remove weeds is before their flowering and fructification, otherwise controlling them can be very difficult. After they have flowered and fructified, their seeds can spread very fast, and hence, the weeds should be removed more often and precautions should be taken in advance in the following year. Mulching: During the seed stage, covering the soil with sawdust, straw or black mulches can effectively inhibit seed germination and the growth of seedlings. In the winter or spring, this method is often used to inhibit the seeds in the soil from germinating. If the weeds have already flowered and fructified, then the method can also be used to prevent more seeds from falling into the soil. Pulling out: Wear gloves or use tools to remove weeds before their fructification. If the soil is too dry, then water the soil thoroughly to make it softer, which can help to remove the root systems of the weeds. After that, deep tillage can be adopted to remove bits of weed roots left in the ground. This method works particularly well for weeds that are low-growing or in their seedling stages. Take care when removing it, as it is thorny. Mowing: Mowing weeds before their fructification can effectively control their spread. Especially for annual weeds, frequent mowing can inhibit their growth and fructification, and thus can remove them effectively within the year. Ploughing: Be sure to plough and pull out all roots of perennial weeds before planting. The roots should be discarded, exposed to the sun for a long time, or buried deep. You can also use the roots to make organic fertilizer and compost the weeds. Herbicides can be used for effective removal. Note: When removing weeds, especially those which are toxic, thorny and have allergenic sap, be sure to wear gloves and avoid direct contact with them. When removing weeds during their bloom time, be sure to wear special masks to prevent pollen allergy.

Do you have weeds in your garden?

Differentiate them from your plants by a picture, and learn how to control them.

Distribution of Lesser burdock

Feedback

Habitat of Lesser burdock

Waste ground, edges of woods, roadsides

Northern Hemisphere

South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of Lesser burdock

Lesser burdock is native to Europe and is now also found in large parts of North America, some South American countries, and the eastern part of Australia. It is commonly found along the edges of woods in wastelands and other places where the soil is disturbed.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Questions About Lesser burdock

Feedback

Watering

Sunlight

Temperature

What is the best way to water my Lesser burdock?

When watering the Lesser burdock, you should aim to use filtered water that is at room temperature. Filtered water is better for this plant, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to its health. The reason that the water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer is that the Lesser burdock comes from a warm environment, and cold water can be somewhat of a shock to its system. Also, you should avoid overhead watering for this plant, as it can cause foliage complications. Instead, simply apply your filtered room temperature water to the soil until the soil is entirely soaked. Soaking the soil can be very beneficial for this plant as it moistens the roots and helps them continue to spread through the soil and collect the nutrients they need.

What should I do if I water my Lesser burdock too much or too little?

Both overwatering and underwatering will be detrimental to the health of your Lesser burdock, but overwatering is a far more common issue. When this species receives too much water, its stems and leaves may begin to wilt and turn from green to yellow. Overwatering over a prolonged period may also lead to diseases such as root rot, mold, and mildew, all of which can kill your plant. Underwatering is far less common for the Lesser burdock, as this plant has decent drought tolerance. However, underwatering remains a possibility, and when it occurs, you can expect to find that the leaves of your Lesser burdock have become brittle and brown. It is crucial that you notice the signs of overwatering as soon as possible when caring for your Lesser burdock. Some of the diseases that arise from overwatering, such as root rot, may not be correctable if you wait too long. If you see early signs of overwatering, you should reduce your watering schedule immediately. You may also want to assess the quality of soil in which your Lesser burdock grows. If you find that the soil drains very poorly, you should replace it immediately with a loose, well-draining potting mix. On the other hand, if you find signs that your Lesser burdock is receiving too little water, all you need to do is water more regularly until those signs have subsided.

How often should I water my Lesser burdock?

If your plant is in a pot. The most precise way to decide whether your Lesser burdock needs water is to plunge your finger into the soil. If you notice that the first two to three inches of soil have become dry, it is time to add some water. If you grow your Lesser burdock outdoors in the ground, you can use a similar method to test the soil. Again, when you find that the first few inches of soil have dried out, it is time to add water. During the spring and early fall, this method will often lead you to water this plant about once every week. When extremely hot weather arrives, you may need to increase your watering frequency to about twice or more per week. With that said, mature, well-established the Lesser burdock can show an admirable ability to withstand drought.

How much water does my Lesser burdock need?

When it comes time to water your Lesser burdock, you should not be shy about how much water you give. With the first two to three inches of soil dry, this plant will appreciate a long and thorough watering. Supply enough water to soak the soil entirely. The amount of water you add should be enough to cause excess water to flow through the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. If you don’t see excess water draining from the pot, you have likely underwatered your plant. But do not let the water accumulate inside the soil, which will be very dangerous to the plant as well. Alternatively, a lack of water draining through the pot could indicate poorly draining soils, which is detrimental to the health of this plant and should be avoided. If the plant is outside, 1 inch of rain per week will be sufficient.

How should I water my Lesser burdock at different growth stages?

The water needs of the Lesser burdock can change depending on growth stages as well. For example, when your Lesser burdock is in the first few years of its life, or if you have just transplanted it to a new growing location, you will need to give more water than usual. During both of those stages, your Lesser burdock will put a lot of energy towards sprouting new roots that will then support future growth. For those roots to perform their best, they need a bit more moisture than they would at a more mature phase. After a few seasons, your Lesser burdock will need much less water. Another growth stage in which this plant may need more water is during the bloom period. Flower development can make use of a significant amount of moisture, which is why you might need to give your Lesser burdock more water at this time.

How should I water my Lesser burdock through the seasons?

The Lesser burdock will have its highest water needs during the hottest months of the year. During the height of summer, you may need to give this plant water more than once per week, depending on how fast the soil dries out. The opposite is true during the winter. In winter, your plant will enter a dormant phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. In fact, you may not need to water this plant at all during the winter months. However, if you do water during winter, you should not do so more than about once per month. Watering too much at this time will make it more likely that your Lesser burdock will contract a disease.

What's the difference between watering my Lesser burdock indoors and outdoors?

It is most common to grow the Lesser burdock indoors for any gardener that does not live in temperate and tropical regions. Those gardeners should consider the fact that soil in a container can dry out a bit faster than ground soil. Also, the presence of drying elements such as air conditioning units can cause your Lesser burdock to need water on a more frequent basis as well. if you planted it outside. When that is the case, it’s likely you won’t need to water your Lesser burdock very much at all. If you receive rainfall on a regular basis, that may be enough to keep your plant alive. Alternatively, those who grow this plant inside will need to water it more often, as allowing rainwater to soak the soil will not be an option.

How much sunlight should Lesser burdock get per day to grow healthily?

You must expose the plants to at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. They prefer more exposure to the morning light, especially in the summer. The Lesser burdock needs full sun and more sunlight that it can get. The more light these species get, the more they can manufacture food, produce beautiful blooms, and survive.

What type of sunlight does Lesser burdock need?

The Lesser burdock grows best under full sunlight. It's best not to crowd them together so they can get exposure to the sun evenly. The leaves shouldn't be starved with sunlight. If planted in pots, try to expose the herbaceous flowers in windows with direct sun and ensure they receive full sunlight regardless of the months. They don't tend to do well in partial or filtered light as this will not produce strong stems and healthy flowers. It's best if the Lesser burdock is always exposed to the sun.

Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Lesser burdock from sun and heat damage?

When the temperature rises above 90℉(32℃), the Lesser burdock can get damaged by extreme temperatures, especially if they are exposed to many hours of sun. It's always ideal for providing some shade from the light in the afternoon in the summer. It's always important to keep in mind that the sunlight in the summer is stronger than the one in the winter. Sunlight exposure is also 50% longer in the summer than in the winter. If the Lesser burdock is too stressed with sunlight, you might want to keep them fully hydrated. Water them when the top of the soil is about 2 inches dry, and move the plants indoors if it's too hot outside. This is the case if they are planted in containers. It can be normal for the plant leaves to wilt during the day. Generally, they can recover at night. However, when you notice that the Lesser burdock is still drooping, this means that the plant is losing water fast, and you need to water them.

Should I protect Lesser burdock from sun exposure?

The Lesser burdock does not need any protection from the sun. In fact, they love the sun, and some species are heliotropic. Plant them in south-facing gardens whenever possible so they can be exposed from morning to afternoon. While the sun can benefit them, some may experience a sunburn. You might offer protection from the afternoon and midday sun through a shade of a tree or a wall. Growing the Lesser burdock in shady areas is impossible because the larger flowers would require a lot of energy to grow and produce. Always provide the lighting conditions and set them in an area with full sun for best results.

What will happen if Lesser burdock gets inadequate sunlight?

When the Lesser burdock does not get adequate sunlight, or they are not placed in full sun locations, it's worth noting that the photosynthetic process will slow down. A lack of sunlight will cause the stems to become more leggy since they become thin and long since they tend to seek too much sunlight. They will not bloom and produce seeds in the shade. Inadequate sunlight will also mean that the older leaves can die, the color of the new ones is lighter than the old foliage, and the new growth is smaller than the last ones. The Lesser burdock indeed loves the sun so much. However, they can wilt when exposed to excessive heat and ultraviolet light during the extreme summer months, so be careful. You might want to cover them with a net that has a green shade, especially in the summer, to prevent the leaves and the flowers from scorching. When they are indoors, reduce the heat with the help of a fan.

Does Lesser burdock need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

When the Lesser burdock is growing, they need more light than their mature counterparts. The younger ones should receive adequate light, but they might not be prepared for sudden full sunlight, especially if they are grown in a nursery. They can be more sensitive to the summer sun, so the lighting should be gradual and slow.

How much light does Lesser burdock need for photosynthesis?

During summer or late spring, the Lesser burdock needs 6 to 8 hours of direct light every single day. This is whether they are planted outdoors. If the Lesser burdock is planted in pots or you're growing them in the winter, they need direct fluorescent lights that help them grow better. Make sure to place them in an indoor area where they are facing south or east so they can have enough sunlight for photosynthesis.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Lesser burdock?

When transplanting the plants, they should not be exposed to sudden sunlight. Give the Lesser burdock to grow and mature before transplanting outside. Some species of herbaceous plants can grow taller and might cast a shade on other young plants. Allow between 80 to 100 days of growing season before planting another batch to ensure that every plant receives more than enough sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Make sure that the Lesser burdock receives the best light possible, especially if it's planted in a nursery. These are sun-loving plants, but too much sunlight with a very hot temperature is also detrimental to their growth. Indoor lights should be replaced with natural sunlight as much as possible since these species crave this every day.

What is the optimal temperature for Lesser burdock?

The best temperature for Lesser burdock depends on the time of year. There are two primary seasons to discuss for temperature: the growing season, and the dormancy season. During the growing season, once Lesser burdock has begun to sprout, the ideal temperature range should be anywhere from 65~80℉(18~27℃). Any colder than 15℉(-10℃), and the plant will suffer; its leaves may brown and wilt, but if this is a short cold snap, then Lesser burdock may be able to survive with some help. During the warmer parts of the year, Lesser burdock will need to be similarly protected from temperatures that are too high. 95-105℉ (35-40℃) is the top of this plant’s temperature range, and anything above that will compromise the integrity of the foliage and blooms of Lesser burdock. Hotter temperatures can cause wilting, drooping, and even sunburn on the leaves, which can be difficult for Lesser burdock to recover from. There are quite a few ways to combat this issue that are quick and easy!

Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Lesser burdock

If this is the first year of your Lesser burdock outside as a new plant, then it may need a little extra tending during the coldest months of the year. Not only can frost more severely damage a first-year Lesser burdock, but it can also prevent it from growing back as a healthy plant come spring. This plant needs to be kept at 40℉(5℃) or above when they’re not yet established, which can be done either by bringing your Lesser burdock inside for a month or two, or putting up mulch or fabric barriers that protect from frost damage. It’s also a good idea to plant Lesser burdock in a shadier spot during the first year or two, as smaller and weaker plants have a more difficult time maintaining their own temperatures in the heat. First-year Lesser burdock should receive no more than five hours of direct sunlight per day, particularly if the ambient daytime temperature gets above 80℉(27℃). Shadecloth and frequent watering or misting are the keys to summer heat control.

How can I protect Lesser burdock from extreme temperatures?

If cold temperatures (below 15℉(-10℃)) do occur during the growing season, there are a few measures you can take to help protect Lesser burdock from frost or cold damage. If you’re growing Lesser burdock in a container, then the container can simply be brought inside in bright, indirect light until the temperatures rise up over the lower threshold again. Another option that’s better suited for ground-planted Lesser burdock is to use mulch or horticultural fabric to create an insulated barrier around the plant, which will protect the plant from frost and cold wind. For temperatures that are hotter than 80℉(27℃) in the shade during the day, be careful to only expose Lesser burdock to six hours or less of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning hours. Putting up shade cloth, or a fine plastic mesh, can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight that hits the plant during the hottest parts of the day. You can also install a misting system that allows for a slow release of cooling mist around the base of the plant during the day to lower ground temperatures.

Dormant season temperature recommendations for Lesser burdock

During the cold winter months, Lesser burdock needs a certain measure of cold in order to stay in dormancy until it’s time to sprout. Sprouting too early, that is before the danger of the last frost has passed, can be fatal to Lesser burdock, especially if it’s already had a head start when the frost hits. Winter temperatures should ideally stay below 32℉(0℃), but if they get up to 40℉(5℃), everything will be just fine. An unexpected warm spell during the cold months, which can happen in more temperate climates like woodland rainforests, can trigger a premature sprout from Lesser burdock. In this case, if there’s still imminent danger of frost, you may want to try covering it with clear plastic on stakes so that the cold has less of a chance of damaging the new sprout. This setup can be removed when the danger of frost has passed. Occasionally, Lesser burdock will be able to resprout at the correct time without any help, but this method increases the chances of a successful second sprouting.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

More Info on Lesser Burdock Growth and Care

Feedback

Basic Care Guide

Explore More

Water

Every week

Lesser burdock, a biennial plant, originates from temperate regions in Europe and Asia, where it usually encounters consistent rainfall and humidity. Such conditions imply moisture preference, so lesser burdock likes to be watered regularly, tolerating well-watered soil. However, overwatering should be avoided due to its susceptibility to root rot. Take into consideration the plant's natural habitat and adjust watering to mimic a consistent moisture level rather than saturated soil.

Watering Techniques

Lighting

Full sun

Lesser burdock savors exposure to the sun throughout the day for healthy growth. It can withstand less sunlit environments, though optimal growth occurs with abundant sun. Excessive or insufficient light can affect its well-being adversely, given its origin in habitats with consistent thorough sun exposure.

Best Sunlight Practices

Transplant

2-3 feet

Transplanting lesser burdock thrives best when undertaken during the delightful period of mid-spring to early summer. Always ensure suitable conditions by choosing a sunny to partially shaded site with moist, well-draining soil.

Transplant Techniques

Temperature

0 - 41 ℃

Lesser burdock is native to moderate climates, with optimal growth observed in temperatures from 68 to 95°F (20 to 35℃). The natural habitat experiences shifts in temperature across the seasons, suggesting lesser burdock's adaptability.

Temp for Healthy Growth

Feng shui direction

Southwest

According to Feng Shui, the lesser burdock is imbued with a captivating aura that harmonizes well when placed in the Southwest. Its resilience and strong grounding energy infuse the environment with stability, contributing to a balanced chi. However, it's essential to recognize how personal interpretation can affect this delicate balance, driving the necessity for individual discernment.

Fengshui Details

Plants Related to Lesser burdock

Feedback

Balloon plant

Balloon plant is grown ornamentally for its white flowers and the balloon-shaped follicles for which it is named. These follicles are filled with air and covered in spiny hairs, eventually opening to release seeds. They make interesting additions to flower arrangements. This plant is an important food for Monarch butterfly caterpillars.

Grape leaf anemone

Grape leaf anemone (Eriocapitella vitifolia) is an attractive flower that originated in the Himalayas. Though it is not quite commonly cultivated in the garden, its hybrid with Japanese anemone is a popular garden plant. It’s also called the grape-leafed windflower, because “Anemone” comes from the Greek word “Anemoi,” which means “winds.”

Devil's darning needles

Devil's darning needles is a climbing vine native to the Southeastern United States. This vine attaches by delicate tendrils and therefore does not harm its supporting structure. It is attractive to bees and hummingbirds while being deer resistant. The flowers on this vine are white and bloom through the summer.

Black locust

While the black locust may have a bad reputation in many areas of the US due to its opportunistic and rapid growth, there are benefits to this tree. The black locust is an important food source for honey bees and is a good choice for windbreaks since it grows so quickly (91 to 122 cm per year). Its wood also resists rot, so it is used in fenceposts. The plant is highly toxic, though, and should never be consumed.

Water oak

Water oak (Quercus nigra) is a medium-sized deciduous tree often found in low woodlands, floodplains, and near swamps and rivers in southeastern areas of North America, where it plays an important role in woodland ecosystems. It is rarely used in ornamental purposes due to its unfavorable growing qualities.

Poisonbulb

Poisonbulb (Crinum asiaticum) is a bulbous perennial native to the Pacific Islands. It is toxic if ingested and caution should be exercised around this plant. Symptoms of poisonbulb poisoning include rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and fever.

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

View More Plants

Lesser burdock

Arctium minus

Also known as: Cuckoo-button, Button-bur

Hardiness Zones

4 to 10

Weeds

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Key Facts About Lesser burdock

Feedback

Attributes of Lesser burdock

Lifespan

Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Planting Time

Fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

Fall, Winter

Plant Height

50 cm to 3 m

Spread

1 m

Leaf Color

Green

White

Flower Size

2 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Purple

Fruit Color

Brown

Stem Color

Green

Red

Dormancy

Winter dormancy

Leaf type

Deciduous

Ideal Temperature

20 - 35 ℃

Growth Season

Summer, Fall

Growth Rate

Rapid

Gain more valuable plant knowledge

Explore a rich botanical encyclopedia for deeper insights

Download the App for Free

Name story

Lesser burdock

Symbolism

Abundance, protection

Usages

Garden Use

Trivia and Interesting Facts

Scientific Classification of Lesser burdock

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Family

Daisy

Genus

Burdock

Species

Lesser burdock

Never miss a care task again!

Plant care made easier than ever with our tailor-made smart care reminder.

Download the App for Free

Weed Control About Lesser burdock

Feedback

Weeds

How to Control it

Do you have weeds in your garden?

Differentiate them from your plants by a picture, and learn how to control them.

Download the App for Free

Distribution of Lesser burdock

Feedback

Habitat of Lesser burdock

Waste ground, edges of woods, roadsides

Northern Hemisphere

South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of Lesser burdock

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Questions About Lesser burdock

Feedback

Watering

Sunlight

Temperature

What is the best way to water my Lesser burdock?

What should I do if I water my Lesser burdock too much or too little?

How often should I water my Lesser burdock?

How much water does my Lesser burdock need?

How should I water my Lesser burdock at different growth stages?

How should I water my Lesser burdock through the seasons?

What's the difference between watering my Lesser burdock indoors and outdoors?

How much sunlight should Lesser burdock get per day to grow healthily?

What type of sunlight does Lesser burdock need?

Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Lesser burdock from sun and heat damage?

Should I protect Lesser burdock from sun exposure?

What will happen if Lesser burdock gets inadequate sunlight?

Does Lesser burdock need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

How much light does Lesser burdock need for photosynthesis?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Lesser burdock?

What is the optimal temperature for Lesser burdock?

Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Lesser burdock

How can I protect Lesser burdock from extreme temperatures?

Dormant season temperature recommendations for Lesser burdock

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

More Info on Lesser Burdock Growth and Care

Basic Care Guide

Explore More

Plants Related to Lesser burdock

Feedback

Indoor

Requirements

Full sun

Ideal

Above 6 hours sunlight

Partial sun

Tolerance

About 3-6 hours sunlight

Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.

Essentials

Preferred

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App

Artificial lighting

Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

Important Symptoms

Symptoms of Insufficient Light in %s

Lesser burdock, a plant that thrives in full sunlight, is commonly grown outdoors with ample sunlight. When cultivated indoors with inadequate light, it may exhibit subtle symptoms of light deficiency.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Small leaves

New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.

Leggy or sparse growth

The spaces between leaves or stems of your lesser burdock may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.

Faster leaf drop

When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.

Slower or no new growth

Lesser burdock enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.

Lighter-colored new leaves

Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.

Solutions

1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.

Symptoms of Excessive light in %s

Lesser burdock thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate intense sunlight. With their remarkable resilience, symptoms of sunburn may not be easily visible, as they rarely suffer from it.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Chlorosis

Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Sunscald

Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.

Leaf Curling

Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.

Wilting

Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.

Leaf Scorching

Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.

Solutions

1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.

Discover information about plant diseases, toxicity, weed control and more.

Indoor

Requirements

Ideal

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.

Essentials

Regional wintering strategies

Lesser burdock has strong cold resistance, so special frost protection measures are usually not necessary during winter. However, if the winter temperatures are expected to drop below {Limit_growth_temperature}, it is still important to provide cold protection. This can be achieved by covering the plant with materials such as soil or straw. Before the first freeze in autumn, it is recommended to water the plant abundantly, ensuring the soil remains moist and enters a frozen state. This helps prevent drought and water scarcity for the plant during winter and early spring.

Important Symptoms

Symptoms of Low Temperature in Lesser burdock

Lesser burdock is cold-tolerant and thrives best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, although there may not be any noticeable changes during winter, there may be a decrease in sprouting or even no sprouting during springtime.

Solutions

In spring, remove any parts that have failed to sprout.

Symptoms of High Temperature in Lesser burdock

During summer, Lesser burdock should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the leaves of the plant may become lighter in color, prone to curling, susceptible to sunburn, and in severe cases, the entire plant may wilt and become dry.

Solutions

Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun, or use a shade cloth to create shade. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.

Discover information about plant diseases, toxicity, weed control and more.

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_ga	Google Analytics	These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here.	1 Year
_pta	PictureThis Analytics	We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience.	1 Year

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_fbp	Facebook Pixel	A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here.	1 Year
_adj	Adjust	This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here.	1 Year

Key Facts About Lesser burdock

Attributes of Lesser burdock

Name story

Symbolism

Usages

Trivia and Interesting Facts

Scientific Classification of Lesser burdock

Weed Control About Lesser burdock

Distribution of Lesser burdock

Habitat of Lesser burdock

Distribution Map of Lesser burdock

Questions About Lesser burdock

More Questions People Also Ask

More Info on Lesser Burdock Growth and Care

Plants Related to Lesser burdock

Key Facts About Lesser burdock

Attributes of Lesser burdock

Name story

Symbolism

Usages

Trivia and Interesting Facts

Scientific Classification of Lesser burdock

Weed Control About Lesser burdock

Distribution of Lesser burdock

Habitat of Lesser burdock

Distribution Map of Lesser burdock

Questions About Lesser burdock

More Questions People Also Ask

More Info on Lesser Burdock Growth and Care

Plants Related to Lesser burdock