Splitrock Environmental
Edible Thistle (ts’k’lawsxn)
$3.50
Edible Thistle is a tall perennial with prominent spines and hairy bracts, as well as distinct pinkish-purple flowers. It is common in wet meadows and forest openings, and as the common name implies, the roots are edible.
| Latin Name | Cirsium edule | |
| Type | Forb | |
| Height and Spread | 1 – 2 m tall. | 25 – 50 cm spread. |
| Bloom Colour | Pinkish-purple | |
| Bloom Months | Late spring to summer every second year. | |
| Foliage Colour | White tinged green. | |
| Seed Months | Mid-late summer | |
| Light and Water | Grows in both open and shaded areas. | Prefers moist ground. |
| Ethnobotany Information | Edible Thistle is commonly eaten by the Secwepemc and Nlaka’pmc peoples, particularly the 1st year plant that doesn’t flower. The roots are edible when cooked and are reported to have a pleasant sunflower-like flavour. If eaten in too large of a quantity though, Edible Thistle can cause gas. | |
| Wildlife Uses | Edible Thistle is an important wildlife species. Notably the fluff produced with the seeds are often used by songbirds in nest construction, as well as a food source. | |
| Garden Uses | Edible Thistle has bright purple flowers that can look quite exotic in a native plant garden. They are also edible, but one should note their large spines when considering placement. | |
| Facts | There are many other species of both native and invasive species in the south interior of the province. As part of the Sunflower family almost all species are edible though. | |
| Propagation Techniques | Edible Thistle produces fluffy seeds that can be planted to propagate. | |
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