I tried this recipe yesterday it was very good.. my boyfriend and I ate a lotta burdock because it was so tasty.. 1 burdock root 2 tablespoons vinegar 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 teaspoons sugar 2 teaspoons mirin(optional) 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1. soak burdock (thinly sliced about 0.25 inch) in water enough to cover all the burdock. 2. drizzle 2 table spoons of vinegar in the water. 3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan over high heat. 4. Add burdock to the pan until cooked through-a bit transparent. 5. Reduced to low heat. Add 3 tablespoons of soysauce, 2 teaspoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of mirin. Cook until the sauce is reduced. 6. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Some information to narrow things down would be helpful. What zone, or at least a state would be helpful for figuring out what will handle your weather. Some details on the area you're planting into would be helpful also. Is the border area shaded by trees or in the open? Is the soil damp or does it get dry easily. Most any small shrub or perennial plant that handles the area you're planting will probably serve the purpose. If you can get something that's native to your area, the critters would likely be doubly appreciative.

Yes, nice, healthy looking Burdock. You can eat it Newbie. "Burdock achieved international recognition for its culinary use due to the increasing popularity of the macrobiotic diet, which advocates its consumption. " https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctium#Food_and_drink

Embothrium, and floral_uk, I'll follow up with the person who posted the photo from her garden. I'm pretty sure peren.all is right, but I will find out about the growth habit of the central stem. Thank you very much for your input!