Edible thistle
Cirsium edule
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A herb. It is a thistle. It grows 20-350 cm high. There is usually one stem. It has a tap-root and the plant grows for 2 years or a few years. The leaves are in a ring at the base and are prickly.
There are about 150-250 Cirsium species. They grow in temperate regions.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in wet meadows and moist open woods.
Countries/locations it is found in
Alaska, Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The tap root is edible. The roots of young plants in their first year are peeled, cut up and steamed. They can be boiled in stews. The stem is peeled and eaten.
Edible parts
Root, stem
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Hall's thistle