Marsh thistle
Cirsium palustre

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It is a thistle. It takes 2 years to complete its life cycle. It grows 1.5 m tall. The stems have spiny wings. The leaves have lobes. The leaves on the stem have more distinct lobes. The leaves are dark green with purple tints. They are hairy but shiny. The leaves at the base have stalks and spines.

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

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in damp places and marshes.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Britain, Europe, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Scandinavia, Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The young shoots and peeled flower stalks are eaten raw in salads. They are also boiled and served as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, stalks, roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Močvirski osat, Myrtistel

Synonyms

Cnicus palustris L.;