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Summary
Mountain thistle is a widespread montane thistle of western North America and one of the more dependable edible members of the genus. While not as consistently robust as meadow thistle, it produces usable taproots and high-quality stems when harvested at the correct stage. It thrives in high-elevation meadows, forest openings, and rocky slopes, and was utilized by Indigenous peoples as a seasonal vegetable. Like most thistles, it rewards careful timing and proper processing, offering nutritious food in otherwise challenging environments.
Physical Characteristics
Cirsium scopulorum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), beetles. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Carduus scopulorum Greene
Plant Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Oil Root Stem
Edible Uses: Oil
Root - raw or cooked[46, 61, 105, 161]. The root is likely to be rich in inulin, a starch that cannot be digested by humans. This starch thus passes straight through the digestive system and, in some people, ferments to produce flatulence[K]. Stems[161]. No more details are given, but it is probably best if it is peeled.
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Oil
The seed of all species of thistles yields a good oil by expression[4]. No details of potential yields etc are given[K]. Flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Seeds feed birds, and the plant contributes to soil stabilization on slopes.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Mountain thistle is a dependable high-elevation wild vegetable offering edible roots and excellent peeled stems when harvested at the correct stage. Growing Conditions: Mountain thistle prefers well-drained soils in montane environments. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates rocky, nutrient-poor soils better than many vegetables. Habitat & Range: Native to western North America, mountain thistle occurs throughout the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, and adjacent regions. It is most common in mountain meadows, forest margins, and open slopes. Size & Landscape Performance: Plants commonly reach 60–120 cm in height, though larger individuals occur in fertile sites. It grows as scattered individuals rather than dense stands. Cultivation (Horticulture): Mountain thistle is not cultivated intentionally. Its spines and biennial habit limit garden appeal, though it could theoretically be managed as a wild root crop. Pests & Problems: Minimal pest issues. Grazing animals typically avoid it due to spines. Identification & Habit: Mountain thistle typically begins as a basal rosette of deeply lobed, spiny leaves during its first year. In the second year, it sends up a tall, erect flowering stem that may be solitary or branched. Leaves are green to gray-green, often softly hairy, with strong marginal spines. The flower heads are large and showy, usually lavender to purple, and borne singly or in small clusters near the tops of stems. Compared to lowland thistles, mountain thistle often appears more upright and less densely branched. An easily grown plant, succeeding in any ordinary garden soil in a sunny position[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow early spring or autumn in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 8 weeks at 20°c[164]. Division in spring or autumn.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Mountain Thistle (Cirsium scopulorum)
Native Range
US. USA. Colorado, New Mexico, Utah
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.
Low. Mountain thistle does not aggressively spread and is not considered invasive.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Not available.
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Expert comment
Author
(Greene.)Cockerell.
Botanical References
200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
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Subject : Cirsium scopulorum
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