wild rhubarb

species: Arctium minus

common name: wild rhubarb, common burdock

family: Asteraceae

where & when encountered: Old Westbury, NY - 2013

After some consideration, I believe this plant is common burdock, which is sometimes called wild rhubarb. It is similar looking and easily confused with edible rhubarb, which is in the Polygonaceae family. In any case, the large leaves speak to the rich soils and abundant moisture of the east coast.