Scientific name: Arctium lappa L. Family: Asteraceae If you’ve ever walked through a field and ended up with sticky burrs clinging to your clothes, you’ve already met burdock—though maybe not on the best of terms! This hardy plant, known scientifically as Arctium lappa, is full of surprises. Beneath its slightly weedy reputation lies a root…
Scientific name: Helianthus tuberosus L. Family: Asteraceae Jerusalem artichoke—a plant with a quirky name, a rich history, and some seriously cool culinary and health benefits. You might be wondering, “Is it related to artichokes or from Jerusalem?” The answer is a fun bit of botanical trivia: it’s neither. But don’t worry—that won’t stop us from exploring everything from…
Scientific name: Beta vulgaris L. Family: Amaranthaceae You probably know beet as that rich red root staining your cutting board or swirling into salads. But there’s much more to this vibrant veggie than meets the eye. Beet is a multitalented plant—nutrient-rich, incredibly adaptable, and rooted in centuries of cultural and culinary tradition. In this Plant Compendium entry, we’ll…
