Eryngium leavenworthii (False Purple Thistle)

Incredibly showy, Eryngium leavenworthii (False Purple Thistle) is a fantastic, prickly annual with a broadly branching stem clothed with deeply lobed leaves edged and tipped with stiff spines. Emerging gray-green, they turn to purple as they mature. From midsummer to early fall, royal purple, cone-shaped, thistle-like flower heads, 2.5 in. (6 cm), resembling small pineapples, are on display. Each flower head is adorned with bright blue anthers and surrounded by conspicuous spiny-tipped violet bracts. A tuft of small, rigid, spiny leaves sits atop the flower head. Almost the entire plant is covered with brilliant purple, brightening the landscape in late summer and early fall. Deer resistant, low care, heat and drought tolerant, False Purple Thistle is strikingly showy in a wildflower meadow, and terrific in a sunny gravel or rock garden. Excellent cut flowers that maintain color and shape, adding a unique touch to dried arrangements.

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm). Will self-sow in the landscape.
• Performs best in full sun to light shade in medium moisture, well-drained soils. Best in poor dry soil. Drought tolerant.
• Excellent choice for gravel gardens, cottage gardens or prairies and meadows. May be planted as a single specimen or in groupings. Perfect for cut or dried flower arrangements too!
• No serious pest or disease issues. Wear a thick pair of gloves if you need to cut the flowers. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by seed sown in fall and spring.
• Native to Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin.