Welted Thistle, Curly plumeless thistle
Carduus crispus
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Carduus crispus is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). 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 and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.9
Where it is found
Waste ground, cultivated fields and roadsides in Japan.
Europe to Asia. A rare casual in Britain.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, China, Europe, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mongolia, North America, Russia, USA.
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - cooked. An emergency food, used when all else fails.
Oil: Oil
Medicine
Rating: 1
The root is alterative and anodyne.
Alterative: Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Other
Rating: 1
The seed of all species of thistles yields a good oil by expression. No details of potential yields etc are given. A favorite foodplant of caterpillars of the Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui).
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
Succeeds in a sunny position in ordinary garden soil. This species is closely related to C. acanthoides.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The root may be slightly toxic.
A noxious weed in several U.S. states, including Arkansas, Iowa, West Virginia.
Its other names
Local names
Curly plumeless thistle, welted thistle, Denmark: Kruset tidsel. Sweden: Krustistel.