Common Star Thistle (Centaurea calcitrapa)

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

Centaurea calcitrapa is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves and young stems - raw or cooked. — Leaves and young stems - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Waysides and waste places on sandy, gravelly and chalky soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)