Cirsium tuberosum

(L.) All.

Tuberous thistle

Asteraceae Edible: Root 310 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Cirsium tuberosum is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. Its native range is Europe.

Description

Tuberous thistle is a perennial growing 0.6 m tall that flowers from June to August with seed ripening July to September. It thrives in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across a range of pH levels from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline, requiring full sun and moist conditions.

Edible Uses

The root is edible cooked and can be stored overwinter. It has a slight bitterness but is acceptable as a cooked vegetable. Occasionally the root is very aromatic, which makes it less pleasant to eat. The root is 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

Britain, Europe,

Propagation

Sow seed in early spring or autumn in situ. Germination typically occurs within 2–8 weeks at 20°C. Division in spring or autumn is also possible and very easy — larger clumps can be replanted directly into permanent positions, while smaller clumps are best potted up and grown on in a cold frame until rooting well, then planted out in summer or the following spring.