Silybum marianum aka Milk Thistle

Taxonomy

Genus Silybum Family Asteraceae Order Asterales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, blessed milkthistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle, or Scotch thistle (not to be confused with Onopordum acanthium or Cirsium vulgare), is a species of thistle. This plant, belonging to the Asteraceae family, is an annual or biennial with red to purple flowers and shiny pale green leaves that have prominent white veins. Originally native to Southern Europe through to Asia, it can now be found worldwide. Milk thistle is a robust biennial plant that forms a rosette of large, spiny dark green leaves with white veins. In its second year, it produces purple flower-heads with spiny bracts. The seeds of the milk thistle plant are commonly used for treating chronic inflammatory liver disorders and are highly sought after in the medicinal herb market. However, it is also a great herb to grow at home due to its low maintenance requirements and the ability to control its growth to prevent invasiveness.

Common names

Milk Thistle, Variegated Artichoke, Variegated Thistle, Blessed Milk Thistle, Blessed Milkthistle

How to care for Milk Thistle

Difficulty

Caring for Milk Thistle is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Milk Thistle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Milk Thistle requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Variegated Artichoke is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Region of origin

Milk Thistle’s native range is S. Europe, N. Africa and W. Asia. Naturalized in Britain.

More info:
Wikipedia