Cirsium japonicum

Cirsium japonicum, commonly known as Japanese thistle, plumed thistle, or sea thistle, is a species of flowering plant in the sunflower family, Asteraceae. It is a perennial thistle native to eastern Asia, ranging from Japan to Korea, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Varieties

Five varieties are accepted.

• Cirsium japonicum f. arakii – Japan
• Cirsium japonicum var. diabolicum – Japan (Honshu)
• Cirsium japonicum var. japonicum – China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam
• Cirsium japonicum var. maritimum – Japan (Honshu)
• Cirsium japonicum var. vestitum – Japan (Honshu and Shikoku)

References