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Description
Cirsium Edule, commonly known as the mountain thistle, is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in the alpine and subalpine regions of western North America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is one of the many species of thistle. The plant has a long history of medicinal use by Native American tribes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cirsium |
Appearance
Cirsium Edule grows up to 3 feet tall and has a rosette of basal leaves. The leaves are deeply lobed and have spiny edges. The stem is usually unbranched and covered with small spines. The flowers are pink to purple in color and are arranged in spherical clusters at the top of the stem. The plant blooms from June to August.
Care Guide
Cirsium Edule is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant can be fertilized once a year in the spring using a slow-release fertilizer. Watering should be done regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Cirsium Edule is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cirsium Edule is generally not affected by pests or diseases. However, it may be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. These can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Cirsium Edule grows in the alpine and subalpine regions of western North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, and the western United States. It can be found in meadows, rocky slopes, and subalpine forests.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cirsium Edule poisonous?
A: No, Cirsium Edule is not poisonous.
Q: Can Cirsium Edule be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Cirsium Edule can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How long does it take for Cirsium Edule to bloom?
A: Cirsium Edule blooms in its second or third year of growth.
Q: Can Cirsium Edule be propagated by division?
A: Yes, Cirsium Edule can be propagated by division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Cirsium Arizonicum
- Cirsium Flodmanii
- Cirsium Scariosum
- Cirsium Undulatum
References
- Dorn, R. D. (2001). Vascular plants of Wyoming. Mountain West Publishers.
- Moore, M. (1993). Medicinal plants of the mountain west. Museum of New Mexico Press.
- Great Plains Flora Association. (1986). Flora of the Great Plains. University Press of Kansas.
