Can anyone identify this plant?

Owl

It volunteered in my greenhouse and is absolutely gorgeous! A local herbalist identified it as burdock but now that it is bigger, I think that was a mistake. That is why it got to become this great monster. I’m in the southeast.

Jens the Beekeeper

From the growth and foliage I would have said burdock too. My plant app identified it as burdock too. But that's not 100%

Torey

Its stems are very dock-like; Rumex species. I have never seen one with leaves this big, though. And the leaf veining doesn't quite look like dock species. Perhaps because it is being grown in very fertile soil and in a green house? I'm surprised it hasn't sent up a flower stalk yet. Let us know when and if it flowers. That might be the identifying feature.

jowitt.europe

I would also say it is burdock. A really big one.

Owl

That’s great! I’m thrilled with that!

Hassena

Burdocks get huge! Some people use them for arts and crafts. Like putting the leaves in concrete to make bird baths.

https://www.birdsandblooms.com/backyard-projects/diy-bird-bath/diy-leaf-bird-bath/

The roots (1st year/before flowering) are good to eat. Yours looks so healthy.

Owl

Wow! I knew I had seen those incredible leaves somewhere before! I love that birdbath! I know there are medicinal uses for it but I hadn’t considered it being good to eat. How do you prepare it?

Kuri and Kona

@Owl

I live in Japan, and burdock root is commonly eaten here. In fact, I have some in my fridge right now. People eat the roots. The roots are very hard, so you peel/ cut it thinly, and then cook it until it is soft. There is a traditional Japanese dish here made with burdock and carrot called kinpura gobo. There are lots of ways to use it in cooking!

marjstratton

Our wild burdock in this area are certainly not that big!