Cirsium oligophyllum
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Cirsium oligophyllum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
In sunny grasslands and along temperate forest margins at elevations of 20 - 1200 metres.
E. Asia - central Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - cooked. Added to soups or fried. Root - cooked. The roots are slender with scarcely developed rhizomes. They are scraped into pieces, steeped in water and preserved in miso. 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. The flower heads are fried or used in salads.
Oil: Oil
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
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.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. An easily grown plant, succeeding in any ordinary garden soil in a sunny position.
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: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist