Members of this genus grow as annual or biennial plants. They have large, disc-shaped pink to purple flower heads. The leaves are toothed and thorny, as in other genera of thistles.
Only two species are currently classified in this genus, Silybum eburneum, known as the Silver Milk Thistle, the Elephant Thistle, or the Ivory Thistle, and Silybum marianum, the Blessed Milk Thistle, which has a large number of other common names. The two species hybridise naturally, and the hybrid is known as Silybum × gonzaloi. A number of other plants have been classified in this genus in the past but have since been relocated elsewhere in the light of further research.
By far the more widely known species is S. marianum which is known to give some remedy for liver diseases. It has been widely introduced outside its natural range, for example into North America, where it is classed as an invasive weed.
External links and references
Milk thistle (http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weed_info/milkthistle.html) - information at the site of Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board
Silybum marianum, a member of the Aster family (Asteraceae or Compositae), is an annual or biennial which grows from 4 to 6 feet.
Silybum marianum: Carduus Marianus, Cnicus marianus, St. Mary's Thistle, Marian Thistle, Milk Thistle, Holy Thistle (not to be confused with Blessed Thistle Cnicus benedictus).
Silybum marianum is native to the Mediterranean area.
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