Habitat and Range
Thistle species are most commonly found growing on dry slopes or in disturbed areas. The Bull Thistle grows below 7000 ft and blooms from June to September. Other species of Thistle can grow up to 11,500 ft and bloom until October.
Physical Description
This spiny plant can reach 6 ft tall but is mostly around 3-4 ft tall. The Bull Thistle stem is stout and branches freely above the middle. The leaves are heavily bristled and have a prominent vein on the underside. They are usually about 6-8 inches long and are frequently lobed. The inforescence is a head, like other Compositae, and consists of purple flowers subtended by a spherical involucre, or whorl of bracts. The fruit is a seed, known as akene in the Sunflower Family, which bears a tan to brownish pappus, or whorl of fine bristles connecting the akene, giving it loft in the wind. The total length of the fruit or seed complex is 5-6 mm.
Food Uses
The roots of all Cirsium species can be eaten raw or boiled for 20 minutes. The young leaves, which are not so bristly, can be eaten raw or steeped into a tea. The stout older stems can be peeled and boiled. Seasoned with butter and salt, thistle is a delicious addition to almost any meal. The commercial artichoke was derived from a thistle relative. The heart (or spherical involucre) of the flower can be peeled and prepared like an artichoke.
CAUTION: Eat in moderation. Some similar species of thistle contain carcinogenic alkaloids that may be dangerous if eaten in large quantities. However, no cases of Cirsium poisoning have been found.
Medicinal Uses
Some Cirsium (Thistle) species have traditionally been used as a remedy for dermatitis, respiratory congestion, parasitic infections, and venereal disease.
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