Mountain thistle
Cirsium scopulorum
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Pl. 122A — Cirsium scopulorum
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IOverview
Overview
Mountain thistle (Cirsium scopulorum) is a perennial plant native to the western United States and extends its range into Europe. Found in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, it also thrives in regions like Albania and Austria. Known for its edible roots and stems, this thistle prefers full sun, moist conditions, and can grow in various soil types from light sandy to heavy clay. Its hardiness ranges from zones 4-8, making it adaptable to different climates within its native range. One distinctive feature of mountain thistle is its ability to flourish in diverse environments, contributing to its ornamental value as well as its use in culinary dishes.
Quick answers
What is Mountain thistle?
Mountain thistle (Cirsium scopulorum) is a perennial plant native to the western United States and extends its range into Europe. Found in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, it also thrives in regions like Albania and Austria.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mountain thistle thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial can reach a height of 0.6 meters and produces edible roots and stems. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture while avoiding overly dry conditions.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mountain thistle for the first time
8steps
Start with Mountain thistle as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 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
Ensure soil is well-draining with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Containers should be at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, regular watering, and occasional pruning to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems to encourage new growth and a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly draining soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:RootStem
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe18 regions
native (18)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Kazakhstan
Broader regions
native:Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Føroyar
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 122a72d6-f275-41fd-bd56-6c8969ab59cf
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