There is some question as to whether the reports from [] are actually for this species. Firstly, it is referring to a plant growing in China (Cirsium nipponicum is only found in Japan) and, secondly, the report gives Cnicus sinensis as a synonyn of Cirsium nipponicum, whilst most modern works see Cnicus sinensis as a synonyn of Cirsium chinense Gardn. & Champ. It is quite possible that the reports from [] should more properly apply to Cirsium chinense[].

Common Name:

General Information

Cirsium nipponicum is a herbaceous perennial plant with a stout rootstock and well-developed rhizomes; it produces a basal rosette of leaves and a stout flowering stem that can grow around 60 - 200cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern Japan.

Habitat

In sunny grasslands and along the margin of temperate forests; 100--1600 m[]. Ssp. comosum. (Fr.&Sav.)Kitam.is found near the sea shore and ssp. yatsugatakense. (Nakai.)Kitam. in high mountains[]

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera, Beetles, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Cirsium species are generally easily grown plants, succeeding in any ordinary garden soil in a sunny position[].

Edible Uses

Young plant - cooked[, ]. It has a bitter, salty flavour[].

Medicinal

See notes above on taxonomy as to whether the follwing report is correctly placed here.
The leaves and young shoots have a bitter, salty flavour, and are thought to promote respiration and to cool the blood. A decoction is highly recommended for washing bleeding piles, whilst the as of the plant are used as an application to wounds[].

Other Uses

The seed of all species of thistles yields a good oil by expression[]. No details of potential yields etc are given[].

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring or autumn in situ. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 8 weeks at 20°c[].
Division in spring or autumn.