Cirsium spinosum
Cirsium spinosumfam. Asteroceae
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Pl. 9A3A — Cirsium spinosum
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IOverview
Overview
Cirsium spinosum, known as Skip in English, is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family and can be found growing naturally in Japan and the Nansei-shoto islands. This thorny plant thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. It reaches a height of about 0.3 meters and is known for its edible leaves and roots, making it a valuable resource in local cuisine. Skip requires full sun to grow well and is often appreciated not only for its culinary uses but also as an ornamental plant due to its distinctive thorns.
Quick answers
What is Cirsium spinosum?
Cirsium spinosum, known as Skip in English, is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family and can be found growing naturally in Japan and the Nansei-shoto islands. This thorny plant thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cirsium spinosum thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial grows to about 0.3 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, it can be divided or sown from seeds. Harvest edible parts such as leaves and roots.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cirsium spinosum for the first time
8steps
Skip is a straightforward perennial for beginners, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
A small trowel, garden gloves, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skip in early spring or late fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, suitable for light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant Skip seedlings from small pots into your garden bed, spacing them about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the plants regularly to help them establish. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too much shade, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough space between plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 2 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Japan
Broader regions
native:Nansei-shoto
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 (Asteroceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asteroceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
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