Cirsium chinense

Physical Characteristics

Cirsium chinense is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 6in). It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), beetles. The plant is self-fertile. 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.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Root Edible Uses: Oil Root - cooked[105, 177]. The root is likely to be rich in inulin, a starch that cannot be digested by humans. This starch thus passes straight through the digestive system and, in some people, ferments to produce flatulence[K]. Young leaves - cooked[105, 177].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known