No-Azami, Japanese thistle
Cirsium japonicum
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Cirsium japonicum is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September 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. 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 soil.
Height (m): 0.9
Where it is found
Sunny slopes in lowlands and foothills, C. and S. Japan.
E. Asia - Japan.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Taiwan, Tibet, USA Vietnam.
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - cooked. Very palatable in the spring, they are used with the young roots.
Oil: Oil
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The roots are anti-inflammatory, diuretic and haemostatic. A decoction of the dried roots is used in the treatment of boils and carbuncles, acute appendicitis, uterine bleeding, haematuria, nose bleeds, haematemesis and traumatic bleeding. The leaf is haemostatic and diuretic. The stem is haemostatic.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Haemostatic: Controls internal bleeding.
Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
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.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, succeeding in any ordinary garden soil in a sunny position. Cultivated for cut flowers in Japan. There are some named forms selected for their ornamental value. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root .
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: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Can be weedy or invasive. Known to be invasive in Arkansas, California, Iowa, USA and South Africa.
Its other names
Local names
No-azami, Cat thistle, Japanese thistle, Baimaci.