clinging
burs that were not only the inspiration for Velcro - See more at:
http://bcinvasives.ca/invasive-species/identify/invasive-species/invasive-plants/burdock/#sthash.Ba5FMBcO.dpuf
Goldfinches are accustomed to perching on the large heads to eat. As
long as only their feet touch the burs they are okay, but, when
feathers brush against a hooked bur, the small bird's strength is not
sufficient to get free from the tenacious plant. The plant employs a hook-and-loop system to latch seed heads onto passers-by for dispersal and was the inspiration for Velcro. We have some patches of burdock growing in Sam Smith Park, especially on the outer headlands near the beavers' winter lodge. On your walks, keep a look out for trapped birds and please attempt to gently release them.
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