Cirsium maritimum

Physical Characteristics

Cirsium maritimum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to November. 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia - central and southern Japan.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Root Edible Uses: Oil Root - raw or cooked[105, 116, 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].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known