Globe Thistle (Echinops setifer)

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

Echinops setifer is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) 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

Low mountains, C. and S. Japan. Mountain slopes in China. Open grassy areas in Korea. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)