Edible · spiny
Spear Thistle
Cirsium vulgareAsteraceae family
also: Common Thistle · Bull Thistle
About this plant 01
A biennial thistle forming a flat rosette in year one before sending up a tall spiny stem to 1.5m in year two. Large purple flower heads are irresistible to bumblebees, butterflies and goldfinches. Can produce thousands of seeds per plant so needs management in productive areas.
Notes for working with it 02
Remove from crop areas before seed sets. Leave a few deliberately in hedgerow margins for wildlife. Wear gloves — spines are sharp.
Where you'll find it chilling 03
Ways to use it 04
Goldfinch seed plant
Seed heads are a favourite food for goldfinches and finches. Leave standing over winter in wildlife margins.
Edible young stems
Young stems peeled before flowering taste similar to artichoke heart. Roots also edible when boiled. Best in year one before bolting.
Liver tonic (traditional)
Traditional herbal medicine used thistle preparations as a liver and digestive tonic. Related to well-studied milk thistle (Silybum marianum).
Premium pollinator plant
One of the best plants on the farm for bumblebees and butterflies. Leave 3–5 plants in margins each year.
Specimen label 05
Next in the guide 06
No. 008 of 009
Herb Robert
Geranium robertianum
Read it