Burdock; a genus of the polygamia equalis order, belonging to the syngenesia class of plants. Of this genus there are three species, the lappa or common burdock, the tomentofum, and the perlomata. All these are troublesome weeds, so require no direction for their culture. The roots, however, last but two years; and therefore they are more easily destroyed than such weeds as have perennial roots. The tender stems of the common kind, deprived of the bark, may be boiled and eaten like parsnips. When raw, they are good with oil and vinegar. Boys catch bats by throwing the prickly heads of this species up into the air. Cows and goats eat this herb; sheep and horses refuse it; swine are not fond of it.—This species is also used medicinally. The seeds have a bitterish subacid taste; they are recommended as very efficacious diuretics, given either in the form of emulsion, or in powder to the quantity of a dram. The roots taste sweetish, with a slight astringency and bitterness; they are esteemed aperient, diuretic, and sudorific; and said to act without irritation, so as to be safely ventured upon in acute disorders.