Wooly Thistle
Cirsium eriophorumfam. Asteroideae
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Pl. 72B2 — Cirsium eriophorum
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IOverview
Overview
Wooly Thistle (Cirsium eriophorum) is a biennial plant native to regions of Europe and the Mediterranean, including Albania, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and parts of Yugoslavia. Known for its edible flowers, leaves, and stems, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 8 and 9. This thistle grows up to 1.5 meters tall and is commonly found in areas with a hardiness zone ranging from 5 to 9. Its distinctive feature lies in its soft, woolly texture, which covers the leaves and stems, providing it with a unique appearance among other thistles.
Quick answers
What is Wooly Thistle?
Wooly Thistle (Cirsium eriophorum) is a biennial plant native to regions of Europe and the Mediterranean, including Albania, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and parts of Yugoslavia. Known for its edible flowers, leaves, and stems, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 8 and 9.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wooly Thistle thrives in light to medium and heavy soils, preferring a pH of 8-9. It requires moist conditions but can tolerate various soil types. This biennial plant grows up to 1.5 meters tall and is hardy in zones 5-9. For cultivation, provide full sun to partial shade. Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist. Propagate via seed sowing directly into the garden bed or by dividing established plants. Harvest edible parts such as flowers, leaves, and stems throughout the growing season.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Biennial
Mature size
1.5 m tall
Soil pH
8–9
For first-time growers
How to grow Wooly Thistle for the first time
8steps
Start with Wooly Thistle as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall for biennial growth.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline (pH 8-9).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Protect from strong winds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, neglecting to protect from strong winds.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesStem
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oilFire starter
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
18 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
18 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 18 native
Europe15 regions
native (15)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsPolandRomaniaSpainSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asteroideae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asteroideae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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