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Cirsium maackii

Maxim

Asteraceae Edible: Leaves, Oil, Shoots

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) V.S. Volkotrub, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by V.S. Volkotrub

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) V.S. Volkotrub, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by V.S. Volkotrub

iNaturalist· cc-by

(c) Repina Tatyana, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Repina Tatyana

Description

Cirsium maackii is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Oil. Young shoot tips - cooked. An emergency food, used when all else fails.

Distribution

E. Asia - Japan, Korea, Manchuria.

Where It Grows

Coming Soon

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

Seed - sow early spring or autumn in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 8 weeks at 20°c. Division in spring or autumn.

Other Uses

Oil. The seed of all species of thistles yields a good oil by expression. No details of potential yields etc are given.

Synonyms

C. maackii. Maxim.

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