Scottish Thistle, Bull Thistle

Frost Tolerance: Hardy in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: Europe

Growth Habits: Biennial, from 1 foot up to 10 feet (30 cm to 3m)

Watering Needs: Regular water

Propagation: Seeds (can be very invasive)

Considered a weed in most of the USA, the Scottish Thistle is the national flower of Scotland. Most of the plant is edible although generally considered of poor quality. the root can be cooked and has a taste similar to Jerusalem Artichoke. Although the leaves and buds tend to have little edible after the thorns have been removed, the leaves can be eaten in salads after the thorns have been removed, and the flower buds can be eaten as small artichokes.

Blooming Habits:
Purple flowers in summer are up to 2.5 inches across (5 cm).