Biennial. Also known as Scotch Thistle and Pig Leaves. Magnificent plant growing to about 9 ft tall (3 m). Large spiny silver-green leaves covered in white down which comes off if rubbed. Lavender thistle flowers from July to September. Found in the wild in wasteland and by roadsides.

Scottish legend tells how the Scots and Norsemen were at war in the Middle Ages. One night the Norsemen managed to land on the coast of Scotland. They took off their boots and crept quietly towards the unsuspecting Scots. One Norseman stepped on a thistle and shouted out, which alerted the Scots who chased them away. The plant is now the national emblem of Scotland dating from the time of James III of Scotland. It is also the emblem of the Order of the Thistle, inaugurated by James V of Scotland in the 16th century.

Name comes from the Greek "onos" (an ass) and "perdon" (I disperse wind) - because the plant was said to induce wind in asses!

Pliny believed a decoction of Cotton Thistle would cure baldness. Culpeper recommended the plant for rickets in children and for nervous complaints. It has been used in some heart medicines. Juice of the plant has been used to treat cancers and ulcers. The young stalks can be peeled and eaten. The thistle heads can also be cooked and eaten. Cotton used to be collected off the plant and used for stuffing pillows. Oil from the seeds has been used for burning in lamps.

Plant self seeds well so cut off seed heads to prevent this. Plant in sun in well-drained soil.

*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*

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