About
Cirsium arvense is a vigorous perennial that can grow up to 1 meter tall, spreading rapidly through its rhizomatous root system. Its stems typically lack spines, while the leaves are deeply lobed and have a spiny texture. From June to September, clusters of pinkish-lilac flowers, measuring 1 to 1.5 centimeters in diameter, appear, eventually forming the characteristic thistledown that aids in wind dispersal.
About the genus
Cirsium includes both biennial and perennial species characterized by their spiny foliage and distinctive thistle-like flower heads.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Suckering
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, NE US
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grows in disturbed ground or grassy places and provides a food source for a range of insects and birds. It can be a serious weed of agricultural land, spreading by seed and through lateral roots which are brittle and readily re-shoot if broken. However, it is easier to control in a garden situation and may be tolerated in less-cultivated areas for the wildlife it helps to support. See our web page on creeping thistle for further information
- Pruning
- No pruning required, but prompt deadheading will help keep it under control
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free