Cnicus

Cnicus Benedictus

19th century illustration

Cnicus benedictus, more commonly known as St. Benedict's thistle, blessed thistle, holy thistle, or spotted thistle, is a distinctive member of the thistle species. It is a prominent member of the Asteraceae family and traces its origins to the picturesque landscapes of the Mediterranean region. Its footprint spans from Portugal in the west to the enchanting lands of Iran in the east. While its origins lie in Europe and Western Asia, this plant has set root in various other parts of the globe, particularly North America. In these foreign terrains, it is often considered an introduced species and, in many instances, labeled a noxious weed. Cnicus benedictus stands alone as the solitary species in the monogenus Cnicus.

Distribution and Habitat

Cnicus benedictus is indigenous to the Mediterranean region, spreading from Portugal northward to the southern fringes of France and continuing eastward until Iran. However, its adaptability has led it to colonize various other regions as an introduced species, most notably parts of North America.

Growth and Morphology

As an annual plant, Cnicus benedictus boasts a growth height that can reach up to 60 cm. Its leaves are characterized by a leathery texture interspersed with fine hairs. Typically, these leaves can stretch up to 30 cm in length and 8 cm in breadth. Their distinctive appearance is marked by minuscule spines lining their edges. The plant's flowers, which radiate a bright yellow hue, are packed densely into a flowerhead (or capitulum) that measures between 3-4 cm in diameter. This flowerhead is encircled by multiple spiny basal bracts.

A close relative, the Notobasis genus, is sometimes classified under Cnicus by certain botanists. However, Notobasis is distinguishable by its slender and highly spiny leaves coupled with its purple flowers.

Medicinal Applications

Historically, Cnicus benedictus has been utilized as a galactogogue—a substance that promotes lactation. Preliminary studies suggest that the crude extracts of this plant contain roughly 0.2% of cnicin. This property has led public health nurses in Ontario, Canada, and institutions like the Canadian Breastfeeding Foundation to recommend it alongside fenugreek to boost lactation in breastfeeding mothers. Furthermore, it finds its place as a vital component in certain bitters concoctions.

Culinary Attributes

Despite belonging to the thistle family, Cnicus benedictus does not share the edibility factor of its cousins such as Cirsium, Arctium, and Onopordum. Its leaves, in particular, are often dismissed as inedible due to their unpalatable or bitter nature.