Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle  (Silybum)

Milk Thistle (Silybum) is a small genus of thistles of which the species 'marianum' is the best known. The white markings on the foliage, according to the legend, were caused by Maria's mothermilk. Milk Thistle is still being grown as a vegetable. The young leaves can be eaten in the same manner as spinach, the young stems as asparagus and the flower heads as artichoke. Apart from these uses, Milk Thistle also has ornamental value in the garden, especially in a natural planting. Milk Thistle prefers a spot in normal to dry, alkaline soil in the full sun. It is a bi-annual plant and will die back after flowering. Fortunately, itself seeds easily.