Indian thistle
Cirsium brevistylum
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A herb. It is a robust thistle. It grows 90-250 cm high. It can grow fro 2 years or continue to grow for a few years. It has a thick taproot. The leaves in the first years from a ring near the base. The flower stems grow in the second year. The leaves and flower heads are spiny. The flowers are purplish-red.
There are about 150-250 Cirsium species. They grow in temperate regions.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in moist clearings and in valleys.
Countries/locations it is found in
Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The taproot is eaten raw or steamed.
Edible parts
Root, stem