Cirsium maritimum — Edible Plant Database

What to Eat

Edible parts: Root

The root can be eaten raw or cooked. It is likely rich in inulin, a starch the human body cannot digest, which passes straight through the digestive system and may ferment in some people, causing flatulence.

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant.

Asia, Japan,

Countries: United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Brunei, Bhutan, China, Georgia, Indonesia, Israel, India, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mongolia, Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Philippines, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Syria, Thailand, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

How to Identify

A compact perennial thistle growing 0.4 m (1 ft 4 in) tall. Flowers August to October with seeds ripening September to November. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by bees, flies, moths, butterflies, and beetles. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun, prefers moist soil, and tolerates maritime exposure.

How to Grow

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. It is probably resistant to maritime exposure. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. An easily grown plant, succeeding in any ordinary garden soil in a sunny position.

Propagation: Sow seed in early spring or autumn directly in situ. Germination typically occurs within 2–8 weeks at 20°C. Can also be propagated by division in spring or autumn.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Other Uses

The seeds of all thistle species yield a useful oil by expression. No details on potential yields are available.

Wikipedia

A compact perennial thistle growing 0.4 m (1 ft 4 in) tall. Flowers August to October with seeds ripening September to November. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by bees, flies, moths, butterflies, and beetles. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun, prefers moist soil, and tolerates maritime exposure.