Greater burdock is a biennial plant, rather tall, reaching as much as 3 metres (10 feet). It has large, alternating, wavy-edged cordiform leaves that have a long petiole and are pubescent on the underside. Biennial native to temperate Europe and Asia. Burdock seeds sown in the spring or summer will produce diggable roots by late summer that can be harvested through the winter. The root has similar sweetness to the carrot, with an earthy flavor. Dried burdock roots (Bardanae radix) are used in traditional medicine.