Spinosum Thistle (Cirsium spinosum)

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

Cirsium spinosum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from September to October, and the seeds ripen from September 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.

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. — Root - peeled and cooked.; The root is stout wih scarcely developed rhizomes.; It 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.

Habitat & North American Range

In maritime rocky and grassy slopes from sea level to 100 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)