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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Onopordum acanthium is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Oil Stem
Edible Uses: Colouring Oil Oil

Flower buds - cooked. A globe artichoke substitute[2, 4, 9, 115, 183], though they are much smaller and very fiddly to use[K]. Stems - cooked. Used as a vegetable, they are a cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) substitute[2, 4]. The stems are cooked in water like asparagus or rhubarb[12]. They are best if the rind is removed[4, 115, 183]. Leaves and young plants - cooked[9, 105]. They are harvested before the flowers develop and the prickles must be removed prior to cooking[9]. The petals are an adulterant for saffron[46, 61, 105, 183], used as a yellow food colouring and flavouring. A good quality edible oil is obtained from the seed[2, 4, 183]. The seed contains about 25% oil[4].

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.
Astringent Cancer Cardiotonic

The flowering plant is cardiotonic[9]. It is used in some proprietary heart medicines[9]. The juice of the plant has been used with good effect in the treatment of cancers and ulcers[4]. A decoction of the root is astringent[4]. It is used to diminish discharges from mucous membranes[4].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Oil Oil Stuffing

The stem hairs are sometimes collected and used to stuff pillows[4]. An oil obtained from the seed is used as a fuel for lamps[4].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in almost any ordinary garden soil[1, 111]. Requires a well-drained soil, preferably in full sun though it tolerates light shade[200]. Prefers a slightly alkaline soil[200]. Grows very well in poor soils, succeeding in hot dry situations and tolerating drought when it is established[190]. A slow-growing plant[188]. Hardy to about -15°c[200]. A very ornamental plant[1], the flowers are very attractive to bees[200]. Plants are prone to slug and snail damage[188]. Often self-sows, sometimes to the point of nuisance, though the seedlings can easily be hoed out and can also be transplanted if they are moved whilst still small[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ[200]. The seed can also be sown in situ in autumn[200]. If the seed is in short supply then it can be sown in a pot in the greenhouse in the spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Onopordum illyricum	Cotton Thistle, Illyrian cottonthistle	Biennial	1.3	6-9		LMH	SN	M	1	0	0

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.

Onopordum acanthium - L.