Elk thistle
Cirsium foliosum

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Cirsium foliosum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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. 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 or wet soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Swales and other moderately moist and badly drained sites

N. America - Montana to Saskatchewan.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Canada, North America, USA.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Root - cooked. About the size of a carrot, they are sweet and well-flavoured though require long preparation. 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. Plant crown. No more details are given. Stems - peeled. The peeled stems are a sweet potherb. Tender with a sweet delicate taste212].

Oil: Oil

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

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

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

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any ordinary garden soil in a sunny position. This species should tolerate wet soils.

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: Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Cirsium foliosum can be weedy or invasive. A noxious weed in the US in Arkansas and Iowa.

Its other names

Local names

Leafy thistle, foliose thistle, elk thistle, or Evert's Thistle, Drummond's thistle, meadow thistle

Synonyms

C. drummondii. Torr.&Gray.