Chinense Thistle (Cirsium chinense)

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

Cirsium chinense is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 6in). It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July 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. 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, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in inulin, a starch that cannot be digested by humans. — 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.; Young leaves - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassland on mountain slopesat elevations of 100 - 1600 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)