Herb: Wavy-Leaved Thistle


Latin name: Cirsium undulatum


Family: Compositae



Medicinal use of Wavy-Leaved Thistle:

A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of gonorrhoea. A cold infusion of the root has been used as a wash for eye diseases.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Dry open soils. Prairies, pastures and roadsides in Texas.

Edible parts of Wavy-Leaved Thistle:

Root - raw or cooked. One of the more palatable thistles, it is used as a vegetable or can be added to soups and stews. It can be dried and stored for winter use. The root 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. Stems - peeled and eaten raw or cooked. One of the more palatable thistles.

Other uses of the herb:

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

Propagation of Wavy-Leaved Thistle:

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

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry open soils. Prairies, pastures and roadsides in Texas.

Known hazards of Cirsium undulatum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.