Name this plant!

I found an old weed patch in the spring. Only the stems were left but were about 6' tall. The stems stripped out to some really long,strong fibers that twisted up into some nice cordage--KV
 
Is thistle good for anything survivalish?
 
Fiddleback said:
Is thistle good for anything survivalish?
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One can eat the green stalks of Thistle before they go hollow. It's kind of like Cellery. I think it has another edible type survival use but I can't think of it. When the plant is dry it burns really well too. I've used the dry flowers to start a fire.

Heber
 
Cool beans wildmanh! THanks. Its everywhere around here. I always thought it was ragweed.
 
Fiddleback said:
Cool beans wildmanh! THanks. Its everywhere around here. I always thought it was ragweed.
Click to expand...

Glad I could help. Just remember to peal the skin off first and make sure the stalks are green. If they go dry don't eat them, no good then. When they are green and Tender they are edible. I carry gloves a multitool and knife when ever I'm in the mountains or out of town. All those help when harvesting Thistles for eating or disposal.

Sometimes I'll eat Thistle on campouts so I remember how to prep them. They are okay in salads too, if you are used to the flavor. :) Young tender Dandiylion greens are also good in salad. And Yarrow Root makes good tea. Think we have even gather wild Dill weed to season dishes on campouts. Fun times!

Heber
 
Fiddleback said:
Is thistle good for anything survivalish?
Click to expand...

Hey Andy,

They make excellent hand drills for friction fire.

Also the pappus (fuzzy stuff) is a very good tinder. Like Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) it will catch a spark from a fuel-deficient Bic (and probably every other make lighter) and burst into flame.

How about some pictures or an ID as to species?

Doc
 
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