|
|
THISTLE
(Cirsium species)
bull thistle,
Description:
Large, spiny, biennial or perennial, 1-8 ft. tall, with alternate,
prickly-margined leaves. Spiny flower heads ranging in colors
from pink, white, purple to red are commonly large, burr-like.
Mature seeds, spread with the wind on parachutes of fine, silky
hairs. Throughout North America in meadows, pastures roadsides,
waste places.
Edible:
Raw or cooked roots, of first year plants (those without stems),
makes a good survival food. Cut spiked leaves from stalk before
harvesting, either stem or root. With spines removed, young leaves
can be added to salads or cooked as greens. The celery flavored
core, from peeled young flower stems, yield prime food, eaten
raw, boiled or roasted. Seeds, eaten raw or roasted. Thistle "down"
makes a tinder.
|
