Cirsium arvense (Cirsium setosum)

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

Cirsium setosum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). 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, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. — Young leaves - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Edges of fields and streams. Mountain slopes, by rivers, water lands and farmlands at elevations of 100 - 2700 metres throughout China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)