Silybum marianum
St. Mary's Thistle

               Labiatae

This is a spectacular thistle.
It's generous green leaves are laced with
a white venous pattern that provide a glorious background to the large magenta flowers.

It will grow just about anywhere but the best harvest is to be had from full sun exposure.

The seeds do not often germinate in the colder months but sit and wait for the soil temperature to rise.
 

30 seeds $3.50

We use it herbally and homeopathically for it's tonic properties, benefiting the heart, liver and kidneys.
The flower spikes at around 2 meters tall.

Ground up seeds ( a coffee grinder works well) can be sprinkled on morning cereal as an excellent heart tonic.