About Cirsium foliosum (Hook.) DC.
Cirsium foliosum (Hook.) DC., commonly known as leafy thistle, foliose thistle, elk thistle, or Evert's thistle, is a North American plant species. It belongs to the tribe Cardueae in the family Asteraceae, and is native to Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alberta, British Columbia, and Wyoming. This species is a biennial or perennial herb that grows up to 70 cm (28 inches) tall, and blooms only once before dying. Its leaves have thin spines along their edges. Each plant produces several flowering heads, which contain white or pale pink disc florets and have no ray florets. The roots and stems of Cirsium foliosum are edible either raw or cooked. When split open and peeled, the stem can be eaten like celery. Bears, deer, and elk also feed on this plant.
