Silybum marianum Blessed thistle (Compositae)

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Silybum marianum
Blessed thistle
(1 Page of 5)

The Silybum marianum plant species is found in S. Europe, N. Africa and W. Asia. Naturalized in Britain. It is a member of the Compositae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Blessed thistle. Some home gardeners know the variety as Carduus marianus.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Silybum marianum
Common Name:  Blessed thistle
Family:  Compositae
Author:  (L.)Gaertn.

Known Hazards:  When grown on nitrogen rich soils, especially those that have been fed with chemical fertilizers, this plant can concentrate nitrates in the leaves. Nitrates are implicated in stomach cancers.

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Waste places[17], usually close to the sea[5], especially if the ground is dry and rocky[165].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in any well-drained fertile garden soil[1, 200]. Prefers a calcareous soil[12] and a sunny position[200]. Hardy to about -15°c[200]. The blessed thistle is a very ornamental plant that was formerly cultivated as a vegetable crop[1, 61, 238]. Young plants are prone to damage from snails and slugs[200]. Plants will often self sow freely[K].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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