Cirsium pectinellum — Edible Plant Database

What to Eat

Edible parts: Leaves, Roots

The root is edible cooked, though it is slender with scarcely developed rhizomes. It is likely to be rich in inulin, a starch that cannot be digested by humans; it passes straight through the digestive system and, in some people, ferments to produce flatulence. Young plants can also be eaten cooked.

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 perennial thistle growing to 1.5 m tall. Flowers July to August with seeds ripening August to September. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by bees, flies, moths, butterflies, and beetles. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun and prefers moist soil.

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. 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 in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2–8 weeks at 20°C. Can also be propagated by division in spring or autumn.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Other Uses

The seed, as with all thistle species, yields a good oil by expression. No details of potential yields are given.

Wikipedia

A perennial thistle growing to 1.5 m tall. Flowers July to August with seeds ripening August to September. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by bees, flies, moths, butterflies, and beetles. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun and prefers moist soil.