White Thistle

Cirsium hookerianum

Physical Characteristics

Cirsium hookerianum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). 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

Western N. America - British Columbia to Alaska and south to Washington.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Root Edible Uses: Oil Root - cooked[105, 161, 177]. Boiled as a vegetable, or added to soups and stews[257]. It can also be dried and stored for later use[257]. 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].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known