Cirsium yezoense
Cirsium yezoensefam. Asteroceae
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Pl. D7FB — Cirsium yezoense
Cirsium yezoenseCirsium yezoenseCirsium yezoenseCirsium yezoenseCirsium yezoenseCirsium yezoenseCirsium yezoenseCirsium yezoenseCirsium yezoenseCirsium yezoenseCirsium yezoenseCirsium yezoenseCirsium yezoenseCirsium yezoense
IOverview
Overview
Cirsium yezoense, commonly known as the Japanese thistle, is a perennial plant native to China's south-central and southeast regions and Japan. It thrives in moist conditions with light soil that can be sandy, medium, or clayey. This thistle prefers full sun to partial shade and grows up to 2 meters tall. Known for its edible leaves, Cirsium yezoense is both ornamental and useful as a food source. Its distinctive features include spiny leaves and purple flowers, making it an interesting addition to gardens while also providing culinary benefits.
Quick answers
What is Cirsium yezoense?
Cirsium yezoense, commonly known as the Japanese thistle, is a perennial plant native to China's south-central and southeast regions and Japan. It thrives in moist conditions with light soil that can be sandy, medium, or clayey. This thistle prefers full sun to partial shade and grows up to 2 meters tall.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cirsium yezoense thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial grows up to 2 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Propagate through seeds or division of established plants. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
2.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cirsium yezoense for the first time
8steps
Skip is a hardy perennial that's easy to grow for beginners, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Skip plant or seeds, a trowel, garden gloves.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to partial shade. Ensure soil is well-draining but moist.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young Skip plants or sow seeds directly into the ground, spacing them about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Monitor for any signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light to partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 3 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)ChinaJapan
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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