Scientific Name
Cirsium oleraceum (L.) Scop.
Common Name(s)
Stemless Thistle, Dwarf Thistle
Synonym(s)
Carduus caulescens, Carduus gmelini, Carduus rosenii, Carduus spinosus, Cirsium allionii, Cirsium alpestre, Cirsium bipontinum, Cirsium consanguineum, Cirsium decipiens, Cirsium exigium, Cirsium fallax, Cirsium rosenii, Cirsium sorocephalum, Cnicus affghanicus
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Cynareae
Genus: Cirsium
Flower
Color: Red-purple
Bloom Time: June to September
Description
Cirsium acaule is a perennial herb with leaves arranged in a spreading rosette. The leaves are spiny and up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. There is usually only one flower head, although there can sometimes be 2 or 3. Usually, it is not stalked from the leaf rosette. The flower head is up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, and the florets are red-purple. They flower from June to September.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 3a to 10b: from −40 °F (−40 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
The seeds of Cirsium can be sown in either autumn or after the last frost of spring. They should be sown at a depth of 0.12 inches (3 mm). If grown indoors first, Cirsium takes about 2 to 3 weeks to germinate at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). The seedlings should be planted out in early spring when it is still possible to get a frost with a spacing of about 2 feet (60 cm).
Cirisium thrives in full sun and poor, average, or reach soil moist but well-drained soil. Plants require little care, but deadheading limits their tendency to self-sow. They generally self-sow only in moderation, and unlike weedy thistles, the seedlings are easy to pull up. Use Thistles in mixed beds, herb gardens, or meadow-like plantings.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Thistles (Cirsium)
Origin
This species is widespread across much of Europe.
Links
- Back to genus Cirsium
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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