Blue Sow Thistle
Cicerbita alpina

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Cicerbita alpina is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

A very rare native of Scotland, growing on alpine rock in moist places.

Mountainous regions of C. Europe, including Britain, from Norway to the Pyrenees.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young shoots and stems - raw. The skin is first removed, but the shoots are still rather bitter and unpalatable. Older stems can also be peeled and eaten raw but have a bitter taste.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves and milky sap were at one time often used in herbal medicine, though are seldom employed nowadays. They are diuretic and are also applied externally to inflammations.

Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a moist well-drained humus rich neutral to acid light sandy soil and some shade. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed and do not let the compost dry out. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring. We have found it best to pot up the clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Lactuca alpina. Sonchus alpinus.