Cirsium palustre aka Marsh Thistle

Cirsium palustre, or marsh thistle, belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is native to Europe, including Britain and Ireland. Plants For A Future also lists its distribution across parts of temperate Asia. It grows in damp meadows and woodland soils. RHS treats it as a biennial, while Kew also records a perennial life cycle. The plant loses its leaves in winter and forms a clump.

In gardens, it reaches about 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall. Its spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. RHS gives a maturity period of one to two years. The upright stem has both hairs and spines. Dark green leaves have sharp spines along their edges. Clusters of deep purple flower heads top the stems in summer. These are thistle heads rather than single blooms. The seed fluff has a recorded use as tinder.

Choose full sun or partial shade and soil that stays moist. RHS favours acid soil but also lists neutral and alkaline conditions as suitable. Clay, loam and sand all fall within its listed soil range. It can grow in moist soil with good drainage or in poorly drained ground. RHS lists both sheltered and exposed sites as suitable. Its H7 rating places it among plants hardy below −4°F [−20°C]. Plants For A Future gives USDA zones 4–8.

Marsh thistle suits informal gardens and planting for wildlife. Plants For A Future lists meadow, bog garden and woodland-edge settings. It also includes sites with dappled shade. Its height and clustered blooms give it a place among taller meadow plants. Grow it from seed; RHS states that it needs no pruning. RHS reports few problems with pests or disease. Plants For A Future does not flag it as a weed risk.

Plants For A Future records edible leaves, young shoots and stems. These parts may be eaten raw or cooked. It also describes peeling flower stalks before eating them. Its food-use score is two out of five. The source lists no known hazards, though the plant has clear physical spines. It records no medicinal uses and gives medicinal value a zero score. Its other-use score is two out of five.