Cirsium kamtschaticum
Ledeb. ex DC.
Kamchatka Thistle
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCirsium kamtschaticum, the Kamchatka thistle, is an Alaskan and East Asian species of plants in the tribe Cardueae within the family Asteraceae. The species is found in eastern Russia (Kamchatka Peninsula, Sakhalin Island and the Kuril Islands), and on certain islands of the North Pacific: the Aleutian Islands of Alaska and Hokkaido Island in northern Japan. Cirsium kamtschaticum is a biennial or perennial herb up to 200 cm (80 inches) tall, with a thick underground rhizome. Leaves are up to 40 cm (16 inches) long with thin, bristly spines along the edges. There are a few flower heads, each head with pink or purple disc florets but no ray florets. It grows in meadows and tundra.
Description
A perennial thistle growing 1.8 m (6 ft) tall. Flowers July to September with seeds ripening August to October. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by bees, flies, moths, butterflies, and beetles. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun and prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Both the root and leaves are eaten cooked. The root is likely rich in inulin, a starch the human body cannot digest, which passes straight through the digestive system and may ferment in some people, producing flatulence.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Japan, Manchuria,
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 directly in situ. Germination typically occurs within 2–8 weeks at 20°C. Can also be propagated by division in spring or autumn.
Other Uses
The seeds of all thistle species yield a useful oil by expression. No details on potential yields are available.
Notes
There are about 150-250 Cirsium species. They grow in temperate regions.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/ (Also as Cirsium boreale)
- Prodr. 6:644. 1838
