Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Cnicus benedictus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring (the part that is used is not specified). — Young leaves - raw.; Flower heads, harvested before the flowers open, have been used as a globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) substitute.; The flower heads are rather small and using them in this way is very fiddly.; Root - boiled as a pot herb.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry sunny places in arable, stony and waste ground. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)