Cirsium buergeri — Edible Plant | Edible Plant Database

Summary

A perennial thistle growing to 1.8 meters, flowering from September to November with seeds ripening October to November. Hermaphrodite flowers are pollinated by bees, flies, moths, butterflies, and beetles; plant is self-fertile. Requires full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils across sandy, loamy, or clay textures with mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH.

Description

A perennial thistle growing to 1.8 meters, flowering from September to November with seeds ripening October to November. Hermaphrodite flowers are pollinated by bees, flies, moths, butterflies, and beetles; plant is self-fertile. Requires full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils across sandy, loamy, or clay textures with mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH.

Edible Uses

The root is edible cooked. It is likely rich in inulin, a starch that humans cannot digest; it passes through the digestive system unchanged and may ferment in some individuals, producing flatulence. Seed oil can also be extracted by expression.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Japan,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. An easily grown plant, succeeding in any ordinary garden soil in a sunny position.

Propagation

Sow seed in early spring or autumn in situ. Germination usually occurs within 2–8 weeks at 20°C. Can also be propagated by division in spring or autumn.