Cotton Thistle, Illyrian cottonthistle
Onopordum illyricum
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Onopordum illyricum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.3 m (4ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.3
Where it is found
Sunny and well-drained habitats.
S. Europe.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Flower buds - cooked. Used as a globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) substitute, though they are even more fiddly than that plant.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 0
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Succeeds in almost any ordinary garden soil. Requires a well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers a slightly alkaline soil. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. Often self-sows, sometimes to the point of nuisance, though the seedlings can easily be hoed out and can also be transplanted if they are moved whilst still small. The flowers are very attractive to bees.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. The seed can also be sown in situ in autumn. If the seed is in short supply then it can be sown in a pot in the greenhouse in the spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist