Cabbage Thistle

Cirsium oleraceum

Physical Characteristics

Cirsium oleraceum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is not frost tender. 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. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

C. Europe. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Root Edible Uses: Oil Young leaves - cooked and used as a vegetable[2, 46, 61, 100, 105, 183]. Root - cooked[2, 27]. Harvested before the plant flowers, it was formerly used as a table vegetable[183]. 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