cabbage thistle
Also known as: meadow distaff
A clump-forming perennial up to 1.2m tall. The deeply lobed, mid-green leaves have softly-spiny edges. In late summer and early autumn produces terminal clusters of creamy, thistle flowers, surrounded by large green bracts. Has been used as a vegetable
Scientific classification
- Species
- cabbage thistle (Cirsium oleraceum)
- Genus
- Cirsium
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Information to be completed
- Toxicity
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Plant type
- 1-1.5 metres
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Columnar upright
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn
- Season of interest
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
cabbage thistle pictures
Distribution of cabbage thistle
Distribution map
Europe
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Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Information to be completed
Quick identification of cabbage thistle
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cabbage thistle care guide
- Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
- Watering
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer
Pruning
PruningIf self-seeding is a problem then cut back hard after flowering
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring
Growing
GrowingGrow in moist, alkaline or neutral soil in sun or partial shade
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
Generally trouble free but powdery mildews may be a problem
Pests
Generally pest-free
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