Melancholy thistle (Cirsium heterophyllum)

Botanical illustration: Melancholy thistle (Cirsium heterophyllum), in Swedish'Borsttistel'.

The melancholy thistle (Cirsium heterophyllum), Swedish Borsttistel, is an amazingly exceptional thistle: it is largely thornless!

Its large, button-shaped basket flowers shine in the most intense crimson red. The leaves are deep green on the upper side and covered with the finest white felt on the underside.

Facts & Characteristics

Scientific Name: Melancholiedistel
Category / Order: Pflanzen (Flora)
Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten: Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten
Native to Northern Sweden: Native to Northern Sweden

Questions & Answers (FAQ)

Why is it called melancholy thistle?

In the Middle Ages it was believed that a decoction made from the root would drive away sadness, melancholy and melancholy.

Is the Melancholy Thistle prickly?

No! Unlike most thistles, it has soft bristles instead of piercing thorns.