Cirsium oleraceum aka Cabbage Thistle
Taxonomy ID: 6936
Cirsium oleraceum, commonly known as the cabbage thistle or Siberian thistle, is a clump-forming perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Cirsium in the Asteraceae family. Native to central and eastern Europe as well as Asia, this species thrives in wet lowland soils.
Reaching a height of 1.2 meters, Cirsium oleraceum features unbranched or minimally branched stems. Its mid-green leaves are broad and ovoid, with softly-spiny edges. The flowers, which appear in dense flower heads measuring 2.5-4 cm in diameter, are typically pale yellow but can sometimes exhibit a pinkish hue. These flower heads are surrounded by large green bracts and bloom during late summer and early autumn.
The specific epithet "oleraceum" derives from the Latin word for "vegetable/herbal" and is a variation of "holeraceus." Interestingly, this thistle has been used as a vegetable in some instances.
Common names
Cabbage Thistle, Water Thistle, Siberian ThistleMore information about Cabbage Thistle
How difficult is it to take care of Cabbage Thistle
Cabbage Thistle presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
What is the region of origin of Cabbage Thistle
Cabbage Thistle’s native range is C. Europe. Naturalized in Britain[17].
What are the water needs for Cabbage Thistle
Cabbage Thistle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Cabbage Thistle
Cabbage Thistle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Cabbage Thistle
Cabbage Thistle thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Siberian Thistle.
Is Cabbage Thistle toxic to humans/pets?
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
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