Leafy thistle facts for kids

Cirsium foliosum, often called the leafy thistle or elk thistle, is a fascinating plant from North America. It's part of a big plant family called Asteraceae, which includes daisies and sunflowers. You can find this thistle growing in cold and wild places like Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alberta, British Columbia, and Wyoming.

Discovering the Leafy Thistle

What Does the Leafy Thistle Look Like?

The leafy thistle is a type of plant that can grow up to 70 centimeters (about 28 inches) tall. Its leaves have small, thin spines along their edges.

When it blooms, the plant has several flower heads. These flowers are usually white or a light pink color. They have what are called disc florets, which are the tiny flowers in the center of a daisy-like head. Unlike some other flowers, the leafy thistle does not have ray florets, which are the petal-like parts you see on a sunflower.

How Does the Leafy Thistle Grow?

The leafy thistle can be a biennial or a perennial plant. A biennial plant lives for two years. It grows leaves in the first year and then flowers, produces seeds, and dies in the second year. A perennial plant lives for more than two years, often flowering each year.

However, the leafy thistle only blooms once in its lifetime before it dies. This is a special way of growing that helps the plant put all its energy into making seeds.

Who Enjoys Eating the Leafy Thistle?

The leafy thistle is not just a pretty plant; it's also a source of food! Both its roots and stems can be eaten. You can eat them raw or cooked.

If you split open and peel the stem, it can be eaten much like celery. This plant is also a favorite food for many animals in the wild. Bears, deer, and elk all enjoy munching on the leafy thistle.