Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Silybum marianum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, 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 Bees.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mild flavour and somewhat mucilaginous texture. — Root - raw or cooked.; A mild flavour and somewhat mucilaginous texture.; When boiled, the roots resemble salsify (Tragopogon hispanicus).; Leaves - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste places, usually close to the sea, especially if the ground is dry and rocky. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)