Marsh Thistle
Cirsium palustre

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Cirsium palustre is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. 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, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), beetles. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 or wet soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Damp soils in meadows and woodland.

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and west to N. Africa and W. Asia

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. Stems - raw or cooked like asparagus or rhubarb. The flower stalks are peeled and eaten raw or cooked.

Oil: Oil

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The seed fluff is used as a tinder. 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.

Tinder: Used for starting fires. See also Kindling.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in a sunny position in any ordinary garden soil so long as it is moist. Tolerant of light shade, succeeding in woodlands. A good bee and butterfly plant.

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; Meadow; Bog Garden;

Habit: Biennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Carduus palustris.