Fox thistle
Hemistepta lyrata

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 60 cm tall. The stems can have many branches. The lower leaves are thin and their lower surface has a white covering. The leaves are broadly sword shaped and 7-21 cm long. They have lyre shaped lobes along the stalk. The leaves on the stem are oblong. The flowers are in round heads 12-14 mm long.

There are about 400 Saussurea species. It restricts the germination of wheat, rape and radish.

Where it is found

A cool temperate plant. In grows on mountain slopes and valleys. It grows from near sea level to 3,300 m above sea level. It needs to be in a sunny location.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, SE Asia, Taiwan

How it is used for food

The shoots and leaves are eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Gangamula, Jichinggae, Pan-nu, Saussurea

Synonyms

Cirsium lyratum Bunge; Saussurea affinis Spreng. ex DC.; and others