Cousinia thomsonii
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Cousinia thomsonii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 6in). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. 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): 0.5
Where it is found
Stony ground, especially in Ladakh and Lahul, at elevations of 3000 - 4200 metres. Grassland and gravely places in flooded lands at elevations of 3700 - 4300 metres in Tibet.
E. Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan to western Nepal and Tibet.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves and spines - eaten when young and tender.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Propagating it: Seed - we have no specific information for this species. It is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe, though it can also probably be sown in the spring. In general, the seed of plants from this family is best sown in pots very near the surface of the soil. Make sure the soil does not dry out, but do not overwater. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in pots for their first year before planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist