Wooly Thistle
Cirsium eriophorum

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Cirsium eriophorum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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. 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): 1.5

Where it is found

Grassland, open scrub and roadsides on calcareous soils.

Central Europe, from Britain, France and Holland to the Balkans and Upper Volga

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves - raw. Young stems - raw or cooked. An asparagus or rhubarb substitute. The stems are peeled and soaked in water to remove the bitterness, they are then said to be excellent eating. Flower buds - cooked. A globe artichoke substitute but much smaller and even more fiddly.

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.

How it is grown

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; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Biennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Carduus eriophorus. Cnicus eriophorus.