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Photograph of Golden thistle
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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 prickly plant adapted to dry, sun-exposed soils. Its roots and young stems have a prized flavour similar to that of cardoon or artichoke. In the food forest, it forms part of the herbaceous layer with high culinary value.

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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

  1. January — Harvest
  2. February — Harvest
  3. March — Harvest — Planting
  4. April — Planting
  5. May
  6. June
  7. July
  8. August
  9. September — Planting
  10. October — Harvest — Planting
  11. November — Harvest
  12. December — Harvest
  • Harvest
  • Planting

Medicinal use: The roots and leaf midribs are consumed cooked, possessing diuretic properties.

Where to buy

Related plants

Other species in the same layer or with the same function.

See which trees the golden thistle grows well with

We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.

See the central trees

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