Dahurian Globe Thistle, Chinese globe thistle
Echinops dahuricus

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A thistle plant that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1 m high and spreads 75 cm wide. The stem is stout and ridged. The leaves are dark green and clasp the stem. The flower heads are round like a ball. All the flowers grow from a common point.

There are about 120 Echinops species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows at altitudes or 900-1400 m in Mongolia. It will grow in most well-drained soils. It is best in a sunny position. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China (country/location of origin), Korea, Manchuria, Mongolia

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten with oil and salt.

The young plants are used as an emergency food.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Echinops latifolius Tausch;