Welted Thistle Carduus crispus

Names

• Family

  Asteraceae

• Synonyms

  Welted Thistle, Curled Thistle, Curly Plumeless Thistle

• Common names

  Carduus acanthoides, Cirsium crispum, Cnicus acanthoides, Cnicus crispus.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Carduus crispus, commonly known as the Welted thistle, does not have any significant recorded toxicity to humans. This plant is not typically considered edible and may cause mild discomfort if ingested due to its spiny nature, but there is no widespread documentation of toxic effects from ingestion. Therefore, it does not generally pose a poisoning risk to people.

• To pets

  Welted thistle, or Carduus crispus, is not known to be toxic to pets. While the plant is not intended for consumption, ingestion of parts of the plant by pets may lead to gastrointestinal upset due to its physical attributes such as spines, but it does not constitute a toxic hazard. Pets that consume part of this plant might experience mild discomfort or irritation of the mouth or stomach, but significant toxic effects are not expected.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Biennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Purple

• Height

  1-3 feet [30-91 cm]

• Spread

  1-2 feet [30-61 cm]

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Ecosystem Support: Carduus crispus, commonly known as curly plumeless thistle, provides nectar and pollen for various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and other insects, thus supporting biodiversity.
• Soil Fertility: The deep roots of curly plumeless thistle can bring up nutrients from deeper soil layers, potentially benefiting plants nearby that have shallower root systems.
• Erosion Control: The root system of curly plumeless thistle helps to stabilize the soil and can be useful in areas prone to erosion.
• Habitat: This plant provides cover and nesting materials for birds and other wildlife.
• Food Source: While not commonly consumed, young shoots and leaves can be eaten if properly prepared to remove spines.
• Indicator Plant: Curly plumeless thistle can indicate overgrazed or disturbed land, signaling the need for land management changes.

Medical Properties

• Diuretic effects: Traditionally used to promote urine production and relieve fluid retention.
• Appetite stimulation: May have been used historically to stimulate appetite and aid digestion.
• Antirheumatic actions: Rumored to have been used for relieving symptoms of rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions.
• Gallbladder support: Believed to support gallbladder function and possibly aid in the treatment of gallstones.
• Liver protection: Thought to have hepatoprotective properties that might help in protecting the liver.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Carduus crispus, commonly known as the "curled thistle," can be used for natural dyeing, producing colors ranging from yellow to green depending on the mordant used.
• The downy pappus of curled thistle is occasionally collected for use as tinder or kindling in traditional fire-starting techniques.
• The stems of curled thistle, when peeled and soaked, have been used historically to make paper or cardboard-like materials.
• Fiber from the plant may be employed in creating rough fabrics or textiles in sustainable or historical reenactment practices.
• Curled thistle can be added to compost as a source of nitrogen, given its relatively high protein content when compared to some other plant waste.
• The plant's spiny architecture provides a natural deterrent against garden pests, protecting more delicate plants without the use of chemicals.
• Curled thistle is sometimes used as a soil erosion control plant because it has a deep root system that helps stabilize soil.
• In floral arrangements, especially in dried form, it can add visual interest and texture with its striking spiky appearance.
• Its presence in a field can be an indicator plant suggesting heavy soil, which can help inform land management practices.
• Some artists use curled thistle's distinctive silhouette in printmaking or as inspiration in botanical illustrations.

Feng Shui

The plant Carduus crispus, commonly known as curly plumeless thistle, is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant curly plumeless thistle is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Protection: Carduus crispus, commonly known as curly plumeless thistle or curly thistle, is often associated with protection due to its spiky appearance, which can be seen as a metaphor for guarding against harm or negative influences.
• Strength and Resilience: The thistle, with its ability to thrive in difficult conditions, is a symbol of the ability to endure tough circumstances and represents personal fortitude.
• Healing: Historically, some species of thistle were used in medicinal remedies, which can lend a symbolic meaning of healing and health to this plant.
• Defiance: The thistle is a plant that does not easily submit to control, symbolizing defiance against oppression or adversity.
• Nobility: In some cultures, the thistle represents nobility and high honor, partly due to its association with Scottish heraldry where it is the national emblem.