Golden thistle
Scolymus hispanicus
- Layer 4 · Herbaceous
- Edible companion
Status by region
No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.
Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).
Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.
About
Native to the Mediterranean basin, it is a spiny plant adapted to dry, sun-exposed soils. Its roots and young stems have an appreciated flavour similar to that of thistle or artichoke. In the food forest, it forms part of the herbaceous layer with high gastronomic value.
It can be planted now — September is one of the best months.
See which trees golden thistle grows well with
These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.
No account needed.
Needs
- Water: Low
- Light: Full sun
- Size: Biennial herb up to 0.8 m
- Mature diameter: 0.4 m
- Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Limestone
- Climates: Atlantic coast, Hot, dry Mediterranean
Calendar
- January — Harvest
- February — Harvest
- March — Harvest — Planting
- April — Planting
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September — Planting
- October — Harvest — Planting
- November — Harvest
- December — Harvest
- Harvest
- Planting
Medicinal use: The roots and midribs of the leaves are consumed cooked, possessing diuretic properties.
Where to buy
Central trees worth considering
May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.
May grow well with
Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.
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African tamariskTamarix africanasame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Mediterranean buckthornRhamnus alaternussame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Common hawthornCrataegus monogynasame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
TerebinthPistacia terebinthussame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Mount Atlas mastic treePistacia atlanticasame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Judas treeCercis siliquastrumsame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Montpellier mapleAcer monspessulanumsame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Related plants
Other species in the same layer or with the same function.
It can be planted now — September is one of the best months.
See which trees golden thistle grows well with
These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.
No account needed.
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