Tuberous Thistle

Cirsium tuberosum

Physical Characteristics

Cirsium tuberosum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. 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 and central Europe, including Britain.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Root Edible Uses: Oil Root - cooked[61, 177]. It can be stored overwinter[46, 105]. A slight bitterness but acceptable, it makes a reasonable cooked vegetable[K]. Sometimes, however, the root seems to be very aromatic and is then less than pleasant[K]. The root is 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