No-Azami, Japanese thistle

Cirsium japonicum

Physical Characteristics

Cirsium japonicum is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September 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 - Japan.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Root Edible Uses: Oil Leaves - cooked[61, 105, 177]. Very palatable in the spring, they are used with the young roots[179].

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Diuretic Haemostatic Styptic The roots are anti-inflammatory, diuretic and haemostatic[61, 147, 176, 178]. A decoction of the dried roots is used in the treatment of boils and carbuncles, acute appendicitis, uterine bleeding, haematuria, nose bleeds, haematemesis and traumatic bleeding[147]. The leaf is haemostatic and diuretic[218]. The stem is haemostatic[218].

Known Hazards

None known