Spotted Golden Thistle
Scolymus maculatus
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Scolymus maculatus is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in July. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Waysides and cornfields on dry soils.
Europe - Mediterranean. An occasional casual in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves cooked. They can be used as a spinach. Root - cooked.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Grows well in an ordinary garden soil in sun or semi-shade.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist