At this time of the year, they attract bees with their purplish flowers. In the fall they are a nuisance when they dry out and their barbs latch on to your clothes, shoelaces, and socks if you get too close.
Beautiful! I’ve known of Burdock and its root and it’s medicinal uses but I’ve never actually seen it. As Aikiuser references, it looks similar to budding thistle, found here. This is a fav!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/burdock/growing-burdock-plants.htm