Herb latin name: Cirsium purpuratum


Synonyms: Cnicus purpuratus


Family: Compositae



Edible parts of Cirsium purpuratum:

Root - cooked. The root is rather slender and carrot shaped. It is likely to be rich in inulin, a starch that cannot be digested by humans. This starch thus passes straight through the digestive system and, in some people, ferments to produce flatulence.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
August to
October

Habitat of the herb:

Gravelly and sandy slopes in mountains, C. Japan. On scree and sunny rocky or sandy slopes at elevations of 600 - 1600 metres.

Other uses of Cirsium purpuratum:

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

Propagation of the herb:

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

Cultivation of Cirsium purpuratum:

Gravelly and sandy slopes in mountains, C. Japan. On scree and sunny rocky or sandy slopes at elevations of 600 - 1600 metres.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Cirsium purpuratum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.