Milk thistle
Silybum marianum
- Layer 4 · Herbaceous
- Dynamic accumulator
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 robust plant with large, deeply cut leaves and purple, prickly inflorescences. Its deep roots help to accumulate nutrients and decompact the soil. It forms part of the herbaceous layer as a nutrient accumulator and a significant medicinal source.
It is harvested now — July is one of the harvest months.
See which trees the milk thistle grows well with
We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.
No account needed.
Needs
- Water: Low
- Light: Full sun
- Size: Annual or biennial herb up to 1.5 m
- Mature diameter: 0.6 m
- Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Limestone
- Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean
Calendar
- January
- February
- March — Planting
- April — Planting
- May
- June — Harvest
- July — Harvest
- August — Harvest
- September — Planting
- October — Planting
- November
- December
- Harvest
- Planting
Medicinal use: The seeds are used in the preparation of liver-protecting and digestion-stimulating extracts and teas.
Where to buy
Related plants
Other species in the same layer or with the same function.
It is harvested now — July is one of the harvest months.
See which trees the milk thistle grows well with
We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.
No account needed.
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