natural herbs
Wooly Thistle
Cirsium eriophorum
Herb: Wooly Thistle
Latin name: Cirsium eriophorum
Synonyms: Carduus eriophorus, Cnicus eriophorus
Family: Compositae
Edible parts of Wooly Thistle:
Young leaves - raw. Young stems - raw or cooked. An asparagus or rhubarb substitute. The stems are peeled and soaked in water to remove the bitterness, they are then said to be excellent eating. Flower buds - cooked. A globe artichoke substitute but much smaller and even more fiddly.Description of the plant:
Plant:
BiennialHeight:
150 cm(5 feet)
Flowering:
July toSeptember
Habitat of the herb:
Grassland, open scrub and roadsides on calcareous soils.Other uses of Wooly Thistle:
The seed fluff is used as a tinder. 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.Cultivation of Wooly Thistle:
Grassland, open scrub and roadsides on calcareous soils.Medicinal use of the herb:
None knownKnown hazards of Cirsium eriophorum:
None knownPlant information taken from the Plants For A Future.