Cirsium spicatum
(Maxim.) Mitsuma
Tiger thistle
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Summary
A tall perennial thistle reaching 1.8 m with hermaphroditic flowers blooming September to October and seeds ripening through October. Bees, flies, moths, butterflies, and beetles pollinate this self-fertile species. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to basic pH. Requires full sun and moist soil conditions.
Description
A tall perennial thistle reaching 1.8 m with hermaphroditic flowers blooming September to October and seeds ripening through October. Bees, flies, moths, butterflies, and beetles pollinate this self-fertile species. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to basic pH. Requires full sun and moist soil conditions.
Edible Uses
The root is edible cooked. It is stout with well-developed rhizomes, though one report notes it may be deleterious without giving further explanation. The root 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. Young plants are also edible cooked and are described as sweet and palatable.
Traditional Uses
The leafy shoots are eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
Astringent, diuretic, and emmenagogue.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Japan, Manchuria,
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 (2)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- READ (As Cnicus spicatus)
