Silybum eburneum 

'Elephant Thistle'

Asteraceae: an annual or biennial to 1.2 m (4ft). Found in waste places, usually close to the sea, especially if the ground is dry and rocky. The flowers are 4cm or more across, and are red-purple, flowering from June-August. The leaves are oblong to lanceolate. They are either lobate or pinnate, with spiny edges, very sharp spiny edges. They are hairless, shiny green. Native to Southern Europe.

USES:

All parts edible like common Milk Thistle, and the seeds said to be rich in silymarin.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Succeeds in any well-drained fertile garden soil. Prefers a calcareous soil and a sunny position. Very pretty. Sow seeds in situ during March or April, the plant will usually flower in the summer and complete its life cycle in one growing season. Alternatively, seed can also be sown from May to August when the plant will normally wait until the following year to flower and thus behave as a biennial.

Attracts bees.

HARVESTED: 2023*
 

APPROX. 25 SEEDS