Arctium minus

Taxonomic note: Includes A minus ssp nemorosum, which is sometimes treated as a separate species, A nemorosum. Plants in the north seem to fit this subspecies, those in the south of the area are more intermediate.

Photo © Carl Farmer
6 Aug 2003 Dunvegan, Skye

Occasional in rough vegetation, roadsides or waste ground.

Flowerhead diameter c 3-4 cm including spines

ID: Unmistakable. Lower leaves very large, not thistle-like or lobed. Flowerhead surrounded by long stiff hooked spines which cling to clothing.

Other features: Leaves rather cottony beneath. Flowers purple. Biennial. Dead plants often remain standing all winter with seedheads still on them or on the ground below.

West Highland Flora