Nipponicum Thistle (Cirsium nipponicum)

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

Cirsium nipponicum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to November. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young plant - cooked. — Young plant - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

In sunny grasslands and along the margin of temperate forests; 100--1600 m. Ssp. comosum. (Fr.&Sav.)Kitam.is found near the sea shore and ssp. yatsugatakense. (Nakai.)Kitam. in high mountains. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)