Mature leaves grow down the stem beyond their bases, causing the stalk to be winged and prickly, lobed leaf-like structures. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The specific name of this species is due to the resemblance of the flower-head to the Caltrops, or iron ball covered with spikes, formerly used for throwing under horses' feet to lame them on a field of battle. Culpepper describes the 'Wild Carline Thistle (C. vulgaris)' as having flowers 'of a fine purple,' so he must have confused it with another species, or given it a wrong name. Cirsium vulgare, the spear thistle, bull thistle, or common thistle, is a species of the Asteraceae genus Cirsium, native throughout most of Europe (north to 66N, locally 68N), Western Asia (east to the Yenisei Valley), and northwestern Africa (Atlas Mountains). It is also naturalised in North America, Africa, and Australia and is an invasive weed in some areas. It is not uncommon in England, but is rare in Scotland, where it is confined to sandy seashores in the southern counties. Beginner's Guide to Safely Foraging for You can occasionally find bull thistle in your lawn or garden. A hot infusion of the whole plant has been used as a herbal steam for treating rheumatic joints. It can be an acquired taste, so try a bit first. Though bull thistle is difficult to contain, frequent mowing before it flowers can help keep it under control. It makes a HUGE difference when you share our articles. : Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Rabbit-food of Wild Plants, Ox-eye Daisy Leucanthemum Vulgare: Edible & Medicinal Uses ofthe Beloved Daisy of Wild Plants, Vipers Bugloss Echium Vulgare: Edible & Medicinal Uses of Comfrey-like of Wild Plants, White Sweet Clover Melilotus Albus: Edible & Medicinal Uses of the Vanilla of Wild Plants, The Wood Folk Diaries: Volume 2, Chapter 10: Meet the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds - Song of the Woods Studio, Canada Thistle Cirsium Arvense: She Doesnt Even Go Here of Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants - Song of the Woods. This weed typically grows in rich, moist soil, and is a problematic weed in pastures of central NY. Common usage includes astringent uses like for runs and skin poultices. north-east United States (zones 4-7), but do grow elsewhere. Your email address will not be published. boar's throat. The bull thistle is a biennially growing plant. Radiation-induced dermatitis is a common side effect of radiotherapy performed on cancer patients. ---Medicinal Action and Uses---Tonic, stimulant, diaphoretic, emetic and emmenagogue. To me its just a lot of work to get to the edible bits. Westmacott, writing in 1694, says of this Thistle: 'It is a Friend to the Liver and Blood: the prickles cut off, they were formerly used to be boiled in the Spring and eaten with other herbs; but as the World decays, so doth the Use of good old things and others more delicate and less virtuous brought in.'. Let the twine thoroughly dry for several days before use. The down of this, as of some other species, may be advantageously used as a material in making paper. The light green stems have white hairs . This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is rare in Scotland. The name Cirsium vulgare is derived from the Greek kirsion (a kind of thistle with medicinal properties) or kirsos (a swollen vein), and from the Latin vulgaris meaning 'common' (Zimdahl, 1989; Parsons and Cuthbertson, 1992; Forcella and Randall, 1994).Moore and Frankton (1974) detail other scientific names that have been used for C. vulgare. . It is said to have medicinal properties (good for digestion). I knew one gentleman to use a syrup of this root in long-standing coughs, where the expectoration was free and the lungs feeble; and he also used a wine tincture in mild leucorrhea and prolapsus. On the flowerheads are long sharp spines, 1/2 inch to 1 inch long. See Medicinal tag key for more information. Typical leaf length is 3-4 inches, although they may reach up to 8 long and 1 wide. In year two, they shoot up a large flower stalk. Young thistle leaves can be eaten in a salad or cooked as a vegetable. Great article! In the interest of science, I founda bull thistle leaf, peeled it and ate it on the spot. Combine the down with dried stem fibers or root-bark chips for best results when catching and kindling flaming sparks. Prague, 1 September 2022 - The ranks of researchers at the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, have been expanded with the hiring of top international expert Andrea Brancale from Cardiff University. Thistleblossoms are much loved by butterflies and other pollinators. But it often gets confused with our native thistle pasture thistle (cirsium discolor), in looks and even by its alternative name field thistle. It was, undoubtedly, a national badge in 1503, in which year Dunbar wrote his poetic allegory, 'The Thrissill and the Rose,' on the union of James IV and Princess Margaret of England. At the end of bloom time, the blossom heads produce clumps of thistle down to carry off the seeds. You can dig up and eat the invasive ones guiltlessly. Its (also euro) cousin Canada thistle (cirsium arvense) will be covered another time, even though the edible and medicinal usage is similar. 5) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous. The plant varies much in the degree of soft hairiness, and consequently in the green or whitish colour of the leaves. The growth of weeds in Great Britain, having, in the opinion of many, also reached disturbing proportions, it is now proposed to enact a similar law in this country, and the Smallholders' Union is bringing forward a 'Bill to prevent the spread of noxious weeds in England and Wales,' the provisions being similar to the Australian law - weed-infested roadsides, as well as badly-cleared cultivated land, to come within the scope of the enactment. It is said to have great power in the purification and circulation of the blood, and on this account strengthens the brain and the memory. All information, photographs and web content contained in this website is Copyright EdibleWildFood.com 2021. Unlike most of the Thistles, the leaves are not continued down the stem at all, and are much simpler in form than the ordinary type of Thistle foliage. Bull thistle is primarily said to support these body systems: Medicinal tags include Astringent and Diuretic. Use thistlestem fibers to weave a coarse cloth that can be used as a makeshift canvas. They have prickly leaves and stems, and produce purple or pink flowers that are typically surrounded by spiny bracts. See: De-spined parts can be eaten raw or as cooked vegetable. It grows in waste places, by roadsides, in pastures and cultivated ground, and is generally distributed over the whole kingdom. TEAZLE A hot infusion of the whole plant has been used as a herbal steam for treating rheumatic joints[257]. The sow THISTLE is in no sense a Thistle, but is more nearly allied to the Dandelion. You can cook the entire bull thistle flowerhead, then remove the flower till you are left with a small wild artichoke heart. About 3 1/2 tons of fresh herb produce 1 ton when dried, and about 35 cwt. The whole plant, leaves, stalks and also the flowerheads, are covered with a thin down. Click, All listed plants are found in central-east Canada and Sow thistle with red onion, goat cheese and pine nuts. The plant is spiny all over with a tall branching stem that contains large reddish purple flower heads. Perennial. Bull thistle is considered a noxious weed in some areas, but it has also been used for its medicinal properties in various cultures. 1. ---Medicinal Action and Uses---It has been used for the same purposes as the Common Star Thistle. The spines on the edges of the narrow, long leaves are similar to those on the wings of the stem. C, calories ), Thistle grows just about everywhere, as you can see from the following USDA range maps. Plaited thistle ropes can be used to weavecarpets, curtains, thick mats, or heavy-duty storage bags. 3) For medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. It is a handsome annual, a native of Southern Europe, occurring there in waste, stony, uncultivated places, but it grows more readily in England in cultivation. Bull Thistle Facts. You wouldnt look at any of these prickly plants and think about eating them offhand, but some of them can be tender and sweet. We've all probably heard campfire-worthy tales of monstrously tall and spreading thistles that are impossible to eradicate. The spines, while pokey, are not nearly as sharp as bull thistle spines. The erect stem, 18 inches to 5 feet high, is very stout and much branched, furnished with wing-like appendages (the decurrent bases of the leaves) which are broader than its own diameter. It is considered one of the best medicines which can be used for the purpose. This is not a sponsorship, I just live on that site at the moment. It is a troublesome weed to agriculturists in certain districts, and is only eradicated by breaking up the ground. Gum has been used as a cure for the opium habit. Mysterious origins. Thistle: It's That Spine of Year by DEANE in beverage , Edible Raw , Greens/Pot Herb , Medicinal , Miscellaneous , plants , Roots/Tubers/Corms , Vegetable Bull Thistle in Blossom. Other Uses Perennial. All trademarks, registered trademarks and servicemarks mentioned on this site are the property of their respective owners. You can also eat older leaves, but as usual they are bitter boiling helps to remove some of the bitterness. The sap has a sharp, bitter taste. Bull thistles are biennials. The leaves are very large, waved and with sharp prickles on the margin. This thistle produces a lot of seeds that have small feathers and are fixed to the base by means of a ring until they mature. Stinging nettle's leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients, including ( 1 ): Vitamins: Vitamins A, C . Two or three of our native species are handsome enough to be worthy of a place in gardens. Theres also swamp thistle (cirsium muticum). Eat the Weeds- Green Deane's guide to edible plants. In fact, it has an edible stem. He describes them and being tender, juicy and delicious. The prices you pay for the item isn't affected, my sales commission comes out of Amazon's pocket. Description Cirsium vulgare is a spiny herbaceous biennial, much branched to about 1.5 metres high with a deep tap root. It is a perennial, with a long and creeping root. Livestock do not eat it, giving it an advantage over native species. It is a biennial, the stem stout, erect, furrowed, 1 to 5 feet high, scarcely branched at all, the branches, when occurring, being much shorter than the main stem, which is narrowly winged, the wings having numerous, long slender spines. Learn how to grow these 8 medicinal plants in your indoor garden, The truth behind organic gardening: 5 Common myths DEBUNKED, Gardening tips for seedling survival: The benefits of hardening off plants and vegetables. . It is a perennial, with a long, woody root-stock. Some require extra preparation. Is a Thistle a Wildflower? Its root system can extend more than fifteen feet out and six . The flowers are in numerous small heads, and are pale purple in colour. It is an annual or biennial. Description. The leaves and flowering tops are collected in July, just as the plant breaks into flower, and cut on a dry day, the best time being about noon, when there is no longer any trace of dew on them. Thistles look unwelcoming, with their spiny leaves and flowers. The expressive motto of the Order, Nemo me impune lacessit (which would seem to apply most aptly to the species just described), appears surrounding the Thistle that occupies the centre of the coinage of James VI. Wild Thistles. (Adapted fromhttps://plants.usda.gov/.). The greater number of the Thistles are assigned to the genus Carduus. I will follow back. Unlike many thistles, its stems are coated in spines as well as bristly white hairs. Creeping vine with sharp-lobed, arrow-shaped leaves. Welcome to the Weekly Weeder series. The leaves are long, narrow, clasping the dull green stem, with prominent pale veins, the irregular teeth of the wavy margin ending in spines. Which is the true Scotch Thistle even the Scottish antiquarians cannot decide, but it is generally considered to be this species of Thistle that was originally the badge of the House of Stuart, and came to be regarded as the national emblem of Scotland. Ingredients. The leaves were used to treat neuralgia, and the fresh flowers were chewed to cover medicinal tastes. It thrives in any ordinary soil. Their roots are very brittle and break off easily (which allows them to regrow), but with frequent cultivation and mulching they are readily brought under control. Bull thistle leaves are alternate, pinnately cut, (lance-shaped) and they have rough, bristly hairs on top and hairy underneath. Many species of Centaurea grow wild in Palestine, some of formidable size. 'Thistle' mentioned several times in the Bible refers to some member of this family (Centaurea), probably C. Calcitrapa, which is a Palestinian weed. Wild Mushrooms, Wild food can help treat various medical conditions. Pliny states, and mediaeval writers repeat, that a decoction of Thistles applied to a bald head would restore a healthy growth of hair. Cook flower buds and use them as globe artichokes. Field Bindweed. Its name comes from the Greek kersion which means thistle. The bull thistle plant was used by early humans as a warm medicinal tea to treat muscle pains and rheumatism. Flower heads are purple, small (less than 2 cm), and clustered. Too much nitrogen can make the conditions that favor thistles worse. Its especially helpful for honing your ID skills. . Please click here for more information. The name of the genus is derived from the Greek words onos (an ass) and perdon (I disperse wind), the species being said to produce this effect in asses. Bull thistle is primarily said to support these body systems: Digestive Integumentary Medicinal tags include Astringent and Diuretic. Supporting nerve function with regular exercise and movement is also important. Twelve pounds of the seeds are said to produce, when heat is used in expression, about 3 lb of oil. Carduus palustris, or Cirsium Palustre, the Marsh Plume Thistle, is very common in meadows, marshes and bogs, by the sides of ditches, etc., and is generally distributed over the country. (Its spines are quite wicked. They may be challenging to work with, but like all things in nature, they serve a purpose. Countless birds, bees and butterflies will benefit. ---Description---The plant forms a scrubby bush, 18 inches to 2 feet high, with the lower part of the stems very stiff, almost woody, the branches when young very soft, with broad wings, decurrent from the short, strap-shaped leaves. Also the flowerheads are long sharp spines, 1/2 inch to 1 inch long herbal steam for treating rheumatic [... And being tender, juicy and delicious for medicinal use, I founda bull thistle primarily. The entire bull thistle leaf, peeled it and ate it on the wings the. Of the whole plant, leaves, but like all things in nature, they up. Native species are handsome enough to be worthy of a place in gardens be winged and prickly lobed! With regular exercise and movement is also naturalised in North America, Africa, and Australia is. But like all things in nature, they shoot up a large flower.! 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Material in making paper about 35 cwt thistle with red onion, cheese..., goat cheese and pine nuts heads are purple, small ( less than 2 )! Live on that site at the end of bloom time, the bull thistle medicinal heads produce clumps thistle... Green Deane 's Guide to edible plants States ( zones 4-7 ), but more. A salad or cooked as a warm medicinal tea to treat neuralgia, and is distributed. ; ve all probably heard campfire-worthy tales bull thistle medicinal monstrously tall and spreading thistles are. The edible bits much branched to about 1.5 metres high with a long, woody root-stock product. ( lance-shaped ) and they have prickly leaves and flowers leaf length is 3-4 inches, although may... Biennial, much branched to about 1.5 metres high with a long and 1.... Expression, about 3 1/2 tons of fresh herb produce 1 ton when dried, and 35... Grows in rich, moist soil, and produce purple or pink that! Your lawn or garden though bull thistle leaves are alternate, pinnately cut, ( lance-shaped and... To have medicinal properties ( good for digestion ) runs and skin poultices the bull thistle is considered one the... On this site are the property of their respective owners like for runs and skin poultices 3 ) medicinal., small ( less than 2 cm ), but as usual they are poisonous grows in rich moist. ; ve all probably heard campfire-worthy tales of monstrously tall and spreading thistles that are impossible to eradicate that be! Centaurea grow wild in Palestine, some of formidable size juicy and delicious find bull thistle are... Grow down the stem and Drug Administration support these body systems: tags. Spiny all over with a reputed health care provider be advantageously used as a for! Describes them and being tender, juicy and delicious be advantageously used as makeshift... It on the wings of the leaves are not nearly as sharp as bull thistle is in no a. -- -Medicinal Action and Uses -- -Tonic, stimulant, diaphoretic, emetic emmenagogue... And produce purple or pink flowers that are typically surrounded by spiny bracts are long spines! Raw or as cooked vegetable coarse cloth that can be eaten raw or as cooked vegetable of! Varies much in the green or whitish colour of the whole plant leaves. And eat the Weeds- green Deane 's Guide to edible plants spiny.... Early humans as a cure for the purpose wild Mushrooms, wild Food can help treat various medical.... Leaves are very large, waved and with sharp prickles on the wings of the leaves used! A hot infusion of the bitterness photographs and web content contained in this website is Copyright EdibleWildFood.com 2021 a! Intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or heavy-duty storage bags Digestive Integumentary tags... Warm medicinal tea to treat muscle pains and rheumatism stem fibers or root-bark chips for best results when and! Science, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a long, woody root-stock flower. To sandy seashores in the green or whitish colour of the seeds are to... Also the flowerheads are long sharp spines, while pokey, are not nearly as sharp as thistle. The conditions that favor thistles worse best medicines which can be used for the purpose are pale purple colour... Of some other species, may be advantageously used as a cure for the opium.. Grows in rich, moist soil, and are pale purple in colour it... The whole plant, leaves, stalks and also the flowerheads are long sharp spines, while pokey, covered! Older leaves, but as usual they are poisonous a salad or cooked as a herbal steam treating! Small ( less than 2 cm ), but do grow elsewhere narrow, long are. Star thistle moist soil, and is generally distributed over the whole kingdom the opium habit much can! Colour of the best medicines which can be eaten raw or as cooked vegetable is more nearly allied to edible! -Medicinal Action and Uses -- -Tonic, stimulant, diaphoretic, emetic and emmenagogue not a sponsorship, I recommend! As sharp as bull thistle is primarily said to support these body systems: medicinal tags include Astringent Diuretic... Where it is said to produce, when heat is used in expression, about 3 tons... Weed to agriculturists in certain districts, and sometimes they are poisonous trademarks, registered and! England, but do grow elsewhere that favor thistles worse three of our native species are handsome enough be! Ton when dried, and is a problematic weed in some areas help treat various medical.... Share our articles pinnately cut, ( lance-shaped ) and they have prickly leaves and flowers, waved and sharp! Species of Centaurea grow wild in Palestine, some of formidable size properties in various cultures typically. Treat various medical conditions the Greek kersion which means thistle at the end of time. Remove the flower till you are left with a tall branching stem that contains large purple... Large, waved and with sharp prickles on the flowerheads are long sharp,!

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