Common thistle
Cirsium verutum

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It is a thistle. It grows about 1 m high. The leaves near the base have stalks but the higher leaves do not and clasp the stem. The base leaves are deeply lobed with teeth and are strongly spiny. They have a cottony texture below. The flower heads are pinkish.

There are about 150-250 Cirsium species. They grow in temperate regions.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. Plants grow throughout Nepal between 700-3100 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Tibet, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The tender roots are chewed fresh. The young leaves are cooked. The flowers are also chewed. Oil is extracted from seeds.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, root, flowers

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Brongzom, Dhode kanda, Popuche, Thakailo

Synonyms

Cnicus verutus D.Don; Carduus argyracanthus Wallich; Cirsium involucratum DC; Cnicus involucratus (DC.)Hook.f.; Cirsium argyracanthum DC; Cnicus argyracanthus (DC.) C.B.Clarke;