Virginia thistle

Cirsium virginianum

Physical Characteristics

Cirsium virginianum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). 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 or wet soil.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - Florida to New Jersey.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Root Edible Uses: Oil Root - cooked[46, 61, 105, 161]. 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