Common Fleabane (Cirsium vulgare)

Other names: Cirsium vulgare, Carduus vulgaris

The common pigweed (Cirsium vulgare), also known as Cirsium vulgare or Carduus vulgaris, is a species of plant in the star family. This wild plant is native to Europe and Asia, but is now found almost worldwide. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial herb, 0.5 to 2 metres tall. It has long and broad leaves that are sharply spiny on both sides and flowers that are intensely purple in colour. It flowers from July to September.

In spite of its prickly nature, the common pansy has several uses. Its roots can be used as a substitute for coffee, while the young leaves and stems can be eaten as a vegetable, either raw or cooked. In addition, the plantain is used medicinally, with extracts of its roots and stems used in homeopathy for the treatment of aphthae and other oral ulcers and for the treatment of various blood disorders. The young shoots of the plantain can also be used to prepare herbal liquor. Despite these uses, however, common knapweed is often considered a troublesome weed that can dominate and disrupt ecosystems where it establishes itself. It is therefore necessary to control it and prevent its invasive spread.