Pasture Thistle
Cirsium discolor
Wildflower Coming Soon
Pasture Thistle is a Virginia native local-ecotype wildflower that typically reaches 4–6 ft and blooms in early summer, mid summer, late summer, and fall with lilac/purple flowers. It offers exceptional pollinator value, food or habitat for birds, and important larval-host relationships.
About This Plant
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil Moisture
- Dry, Dry to Medium, Medium
- Height
- 4–6 ft
- Spread
- 1–3 ft
- Bloom Time
- Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Mid Summer
- Bloom Color
- Lilac/purple
- Garden Goals
- Attract Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant, Feed Birds, Help Native Bees, Host Caterpillars, Long Bloom Season, Support Pollinators
- Garden Uses
- Pollinator garden; meadow; butterfly garden; bird garden
- Wildlife Value
- Painted Lady and thistle-associated insects
Pasture Thistle grows best in full sun or part shade with dry, dry to medium, or medium soil. At maturity, it is typically 4–6 ft tall and 1–3 ft wide. Its flowers, foliage, seeds, or fruit help support hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees, and birds. Notable wildlife value includes: Painted Lady and thistle-associated insects. It is well suited to Pollinator garden, meadow, butterfly garden, bird garden.
Good to know: Biennial native thistle; not invasive like nonnative thistles.