Category / Cirsium - Thistles

Cirsium acaule (Stemless Thistle) is a biennial or short-lived perennial forming spreading rosettes of deep green, spiny leaves, up to 6 in. long (15 cm). In summer to early fall, pincushion-like purple…

Cirsium altissimum (Tall Thistle) is a tall biennial or short-lived perennial producing a basal rosette in the first year and flowers in the second year. The upright, sparingly branched stems bear alternate…

Cirsium discolor (Field Thistle) is a tall biennial or short-lived perennial producing a basal rosette in the first year and flowers in the second year. Its upright stem is usually hairy and…

A high-value nectar plant, Cirsium horridulum (Bull Thistle) is a biennial or short-lived perennial boasting tall stalks topped with large purple flowers (sometimes yellow) that emerge from a basal rosette of very…

A high-value nectar plant, Cirsium muticum (Swamp Thistle) is a tall biennial producing a basal rosette of slightly prickly, deeply lobed leaves in the first year and flowers in the second year.…

Tall and stately, Cirsium occidentale (Cobwebby Thistle) is an utterly charming biennial or short-lived perennial producing a basal rosette in the first year and flowers in the second year. Its stout and…

A very desirable garden plant, Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’, commonly known as Plume Thistle, is a tall, branching, upright perennial exhibiting strong, leafless stems with pincushion-like, deep crimson flowers, up to 1 in…