Cabbage Thistle
Cirsium oleraceum

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Cirsium oleraceum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It 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, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), beetles. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Marshes, fens, streamsides and wet woods in Britain, avoiding acid soils.

C. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves - cooked and used as a vegetable. Root - cooked. Harvested before the plant flowers, it was formerly used as a table vegetable. 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.

Oil: Oil

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

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.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

Tinder: Used for starting fires. See also Kindling.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any ordinary garden soil in a sunny position. Plants avoid acid soils in the wild. A good bee and butterfly plant.

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

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cnicus oleraceus.