Onopordon acanthium Cotton thistle (Compositae)

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Onopordon acanthium
Cotton thistle
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The Onopordon acanthium plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Compositae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Cotton thistle.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Onopordon acanthium
Common Name:  Cotton thistle
Family:  Compositae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1.5   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Waste places and arable land, especially on chalky and sandy soils, avoiding shade[4, 9]. Also found on slightly acid soils[200].

Cultivation Notes: An easily grown plant, it succeeds in almost any ordinary garden soil[1, 111]. Requires a well-drained soil, preferrably in full sun though it tolerates light shade[200]. Prefers a slightly alkaline soil[200]. Grows very well in poor soils, succeeding in hot dry situations and tolerating drought when it is established[190]. A slow-growing plant[188]. Hardy to about -15°c[200]. A very ornamental plant[1], the flowers are very attractive to bees[200]. Plants are prone to slug and snail damage[188]. Often self-sows, sometimes to the point of nuisance, though the seedlings can easily be hoed out and can also be transplanted if they are moved whilst still small[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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