| Botanical Name |
Cirsium undulatum |
| Common Name |
Wavyleaf thistle, Gray thistle |
| Family |
Asteraceae - Aster |
| Description |
This native perennial has a simple taproot. The stems are erect and branching. They are whitish-gray because of a covering of wooly hairs. The leaves are toothed, spined, look like they've been twisted, and are 3-10" long. Both the upper and lower surfaces are covered with spines. Sharp yellow spines project from the intricately cut leaves and sides of flower heads. |
| Mature Size |
Up to 3 1/2 ' tall. |
| Bloom |
The flower may be pink, pink-purple or creamy white. It's about 2" across. Involucre bracts often have a prominent white dorsal ridge and minutely hairy margins. At maturity the airborne seeds with their feathery bristles are called "thistledown." It blooms from mid-July through mid-August.. |
| Interesting Facts |
The Wavyleaf is one of the more palatable thistles. |
| Traditional and Medicinal Uses |
The thick roots were cooked for food by several tribes of American Indians. Stems were peeled and eaten raw or cooked. The thistledown is relished by birds for food and nest linings. A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of gonorrhea. A cold infusion of the root has been used as a wash for eye disease. |
