Cirsium maritimum

national flower of Scotland

Cirsium maritimum or Hamaazami in Japanese(Cirsium maritimum) is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family and Cirsium genus, known for its light pink to reddish-purple capitulum flowers that bloom from summer to autumn on coastal sands, gravel, and grasslands. It is a coastal variety of the wild thistle species, Cirsium japonicum (野薊). Adapted to harsh coastal conditions, Hamaazami grows low to the ground to withstand strong winds and salty air. The thick leaves help retain moisture in the arid environment. The basal and stem leaves are pinnately lobed with sharp spines along the edges. Its root resembles that of burdock (Arctium lappa L. 牛蒡) and is edible.

Common Name: Cirsium maritimum, Hamaazami (in Japanese、浜薊)
Scientific Name: Cirsium maritimum
Classification: Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Dicotyledons, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Cirsium, Species: Cirsium maritimum
Other Name: Hama Gobou (浜牛蒡)
Distribution: South of Izu, Shikoku, Kyushu
Habitat: Coastal sand, rocky areas, grasslands
Plant Height: 20–50 cm
Leaf Characteristics: Basal leaves present, pinnately lobed with spiny margins, thick texture, green in color, no petioles, alternately arranged
Flowering Period: July to December
Flower Color: Light pink to reddish-purple
Inflorescence: Capitulum, inflorescence diameter: 3 cm

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