Indian Thistle, Clustered thistle
Cirsium brevistylum
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Cirsium brevistylum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.8
Where it is found
Brushy and wooded slopes, in mixed evergreen forests and in coastal scrub in California.
Western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Root - peeled and eaten raw or cooked. One of the more palatable thistle roots. The thick, carrot-like taproot 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. Stem - peeled. One of the more palatable thistles. The flowerheads have been chewed to obtain the nectar.
Oil: Oil
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
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. The seed floss has been spun with yellow cedar (Chamaecyparis notkatensis) inner bark to make clothing for babies.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
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 plant is a short-lived perennial, and is often biennial. 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist