Milk Thistle
Silybum marianum
Asteraceae
Other names
Our Lady'S Milk Thistle, Blessed Thistle
Growth habit
Herbaceous
Perennation
Annual
Native distribution
Mediterranean, SW Europe to Afghanistan
Biocultural value
Silymarin, a component of the ripe seeds, has been shown to have both a protective and curative effect on liver damage.
Location
Source of plant
Pinetree Garden Seeds
Description
Forms a rosette of leaves that can be 3' across. The color is a distinctive dark green variegated with white. The bluish purple seed head reaches 4' tall. Young leaves can be eaten as greens and the root is similar to salsify. Said to be good for the liver.
USDA Hardiness Zone
7
Special characteristics
medicinal/pharmaceutical, foliage characteristics