Burdock (Arctium lappa)
Flowers: July to October. Height: Up to 200cm (80in).
Medicinal: Known as one of the finest herbal blood purifiers, it was thought to be particularly good for snakebite. A diuretic and anti-inflammatory, it was good for sciatica and also used for skin problems.
Culinary: Dandelion combined with burdock made a drink consumed in Britain since the Middle Ages.
Magic & Myth: Used as a protection from lightning by fastening to the gables of buildings.
