Cirsium maritimum
Makino
Surf Thistle
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) 空猫 T. N, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by 空猫 T. N
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Keita Watanabe, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Keita Watanabe
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) 空猫 T. N, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
A compact perennial thistle growing 0.4 m (1 ft 4 in) tall. Flowers August to October with seeds ripening September to November. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by bees, flies, moths, butterflies, and beetles. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun, prefers moist soil, and tolerates maritime exposure.
Description
A compact perennial thistle growing 0.4 m (1 ft 4 in) tall. Flowers August to October with seeds ripening September to November. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by bees, flies, moths, butterflies, and beetles. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun, prefers moist soil, and tolerates maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
The root can be eaten raw or cooked. It 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, causing flatulence.
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. It is probably resistant to maritime exposure. 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.
References (1)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
