Wooly Thistle

Cirsium eriophorum

Physical Characteristics

Cirsium eriophorum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August 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

Central Europe, from Britain, France and Holland to the Balkans and Upper Volga

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Stem Edible Uses: Oil Young leaves - raw[4, 183]. Young stems - raw or cooked. An asparagus or rhubarb substitute[4, 12, 183]. The stems are peeled and soaked in water to remove the bitterness, they are then said to be excellent eating[4, 183]. Flower buds - cooked. A globe artichoke substitute[2, 177, 183] but much smaller and even more fiddly.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known