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Japanese thistle
Scientific Name: Cirsium japonicum
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Cirsium japonicum: Japanese Thistle
Japanese Thistle (Cirsium japonicum) is a biennial or perennial herb with a rich history of traditional use, particularly in Japanese and Chinese medicine. It's also sometimes referred to as "Da Ji."
Considerations for Pets
- The leaves of Japanese Thistle are described as spiny and toothed, which could pose a physical hazard to pets.
Considerations for Children
- The leaves of Japanese Thistle are described as spiny and toothed, which could pose a physical hazard to children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cirsium japonicum Fisch. ex DC.
- Common Names: Japanese Thistle, Da Ji, Azami (in Japanese)
- Synonyms: Herba seu Radix Cirsii Japonici (Latin name for the herb or root)
Distribution and Habitat
- Originally found in Japan.
- Can be found in embankments around rice paddies.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- A biennial or perennial herb, growing to a height of 0.5 to 1 meter (approximately 1.5 to 3 feet).
- Clump-forming growth habit.
- Leaves are pointed, spiny, and toothed, with a dark green color.
- Flowers are thistle-like, rose-pink to lilac in color.
- Root system consists of clustered, conical, fleshy roots.
- Hardy to zone (UK) 6.
- Flowers from August to September and seeds ripen after.
Traditional Uses
- In traditional Chinese medicine, Da Ji is used to cool the blood and stop bleeding.
- Used for nosebleeds, vomiting blood, blood in urine or stool, and uterine bleeding.
- Charred Da Ji is used to stop bleeding.
- Fresh Da Ji is used for cooling the blood and reducing swelling.
Quirky Facts
- In Japanese, Japanese Thistle is also called 'Azami'.
- One variety of thistle is called 'kiseru azami' thistle looking like a Japanese pipe.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Can be affected by powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii.
Related Species
- Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle, common thistle, or spear thistle) is listed as a noxious weed.
- Cirsium oleraceum is cultivated as a food source in Japan and India.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
- Discover Life: Provides biological, natural history, ecological, identification, and distribution information.