Welted Thistle (Carduus crispus)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Carduus crispus is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. An emergency food, used when all else fails. — Young leaves - cooked.; An emergency food, used when all else fails.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste ground, cultivated fields and roadsides in Japan. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)