May be invasive in some regions. Click to learn more →

Bull Thistle

Cirsium vulgare

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧 low waterZone 3a – Zone 8b

Bull thistle is a spiny biennial or short-lived perennial with purple-pink flower heads, commonly found in pastures and disturbed areas. It is highly invasive in many regions and difficult to control once established.

Overview

Form: Upright
Growth Rate: fast
Size: 2–5′ tall × 1–2′ wide
Dormancy: deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

moderate

Zone 3aZone 8b

1471013

ColderWarmer

Seasonality

Bloom Season

Harvest Season

Season of Interest

Summer

Herb

Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native Range

Europe

Function & Care

biomass/mulchdynamic accumulatorfibermedicinalpollinator nectarywildlife benefitedible

Edible Parts

rootleaf

Establishment & Care

Establishment: easy
Maintenance: high
Propagation: seed

Bull Thistle

Overview

Tolerances & Soil

Seasonality

Herb

Native Range

Function & Care

Companion Planting

Plants well with

Bull Thistle

Overview

Tolerances & Soil

Seasonality

Forest Layer Placement

Herb

Native Range

Function & Care

Companion Planting

Plants well with