Cirsium schantarense

Tr. & Mey.

Asteraceae Edible: Leaves, Root 66 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

A perennial thistle reaching 1 m tall. Flowers June to September with seeds maturing July to September. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by bees, flies, moths, butterflies, and beetles. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun and moist soil.

Description

A herb. It is a thistle. It grows 70-120 cm tall. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are 14-27 cm long by 8-12 cm wide. It is divided into 4-8 segments along the stalk. There are small spines along the edge.

Edible Uses

The root is edible cooked and is 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. Leaves and young plants can also be eaten cooked.

Traditional Uses

The tips of the shoots are eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows on the edge of forests and along rivers between 1,500-2,000 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Korea, Manchuria, Russia,

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 takes place within 2–8 weeks at 20°C. Can also be propagated by division in spring or autumn.