Common Burdock
Common burdock is a biennial that grows as a rosette of leaves the first year and then produces a 5-foot-tall, bushy flowering stem. The weed is best known for the hooked bristles on its burs that stick to fur and clothing. After taking his dog for a walk one day in 1948, a Swiss inventor, George de Mestral, became curious about the seeds of the burdock plant that had attached themselves to his clothes and to the dog's fur. He looked closely at the seed's hook system under a microscope and realized that the same approach could be used to join other things together. His work led to the development of the hook and loop fastener, Velcro.
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Common Burdock
Common burdock is a biennial that grows as a rosette of leaves the first year and then produces a 5-foot-tall, bushy flowering stem. The weed is best known for the hooked bristles on its burs that stick to fur and clothing. After taking his dog for a walk one day in 1948, a Swiss inventor, George de Mestral, became curious about the seeds of the burdock plant that had attached themselves to his clothes and to the dog's fur. He looked closely at the seed's hook system under a microscope and realized that the same approach could be used to join other things together. His work led to the development of the hook and loop fastener, Velcro.
Best viewed large. Thank you for your visits, faves and comments. Have a great day!