Welted Thistle, Curly plumeless thistle

Carduus crispus

Physical Characteristics

Carduus crispus is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). 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 and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Europe to Asia. A rare casual in Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Edible Uses: Oil Young leaves - cooked[105]. An emergency food, used when all else fails[177].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Anodyne The root is alterative and anodyne[178, 218].

Known Hazards

The root may be slightly toxic[178].