Cirsium purpuratum
(Maxim.) Matsuma
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCirsium purpuratum is a species of plume thistle native to Japan. The plant grows to around 1.5m in height and the flower heads are up to 10 cm in diameter.
Description
A perennial thistle growing to 1 m 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 acid to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun and prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
The root is edible cooked. It is rather slender and carrot-shaped, and likely to be rich in inulin, a starch that cannot be digested by humans. This starch passes straight through the digestive system and, in some people, ferments to produce flatulence.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, Japan,
Propagation
Sow seed in early spring or autumn in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2–8 weeks at 20°C. Can also be propagated by division in spring or autumn.
Other Uses
The seed, as with all thistle species, yields a good oil by expression. No details of potential yields are given.
Notes
There are about 150-250 Cirsium species. They grow in temperate regions.
Synonyms
References (1)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
