Cirsium maackii
Maxim
(c) V.S. Volkotrub, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by V.S. Volkotrub
(c) V.S. Volkotrub, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by V.S. Volkotrub
(c) Repina Tatyana, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Repina Tatyana
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves, Oil, Shoots
Oil. Young shoot tips - cooked. An emergency food, used when all else fails.
Where to Find It
E. Asia - Japan, Korea, Manchuria.
Coming Soon
How to Identify
Cirsium maackii is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It 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: Seed - sow early spring or autumn in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 8 weeks at 20°c. Division in spring or autumn.
Other Uses
Oil. The seed of all species of thistles yields a good oil by expression. No details of potential yields etc are given.
