Eaton's Thistle
Cirsium eatoni
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Pl. 798B — Cirsium eatoni
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IOverview
Overview
Eaton's Thistle (Cirsium eatoni) is a perennial forb or herb native to the western United States, found in states such as Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. This thistle thrives in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and requires full sun with either dry or moist conditions. Known for its edible roots and stems, Eaton's Thistle is a valuable resource for those interested in foraging. One distinctive feature of this plant is its adaptability to different soil textures, making it a resilient species in diverse environments.
Quick answers
What is Eaton's Thistle?
Eaton's Thistle (Cirsium eatoni) is a perennial forb or herb native to the western United States, found in states such as Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Eaton's Thistle thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It prefers dry to moist conditions and can grow up to 0.5 meters tall. This perennial plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be propagated through root division or seed sowing. The edible parts include the roots and stems.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Eaton's Thistle for the first time
8steps
Start with Eaton's Thistle for a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly perennial.
- 1
What you'll need
A small shovel or trowel, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun. Ensure soil is well-draining but can be light, medium, or heavy.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rot. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water only when dry, especially during hot spells. Prune dead leaves and stems as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage a bushier plant.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, neglecting to prune dead foliage.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:RootStem
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 8 native
Broader regions
native:Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
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About this entry
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- Citation
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 798b7852-80f0-4ade-b44b-4c3ccfded794
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