Thomsonii Cousinia (Cousinia thomsonii)

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

Cousinia thomsonii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 6in). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves and spines - eaten when young and tender. — Leaves and spines - eaten when young and tender.

Habitat & North American Range

Stony ground, especially in Ladakh and Lahul, at elevations of 3000 - 4200 metres. Grassland and gravely places in flooded lands at elevations of 3700 - 4300 metres in Tibet. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)