Field Thistle
Cirsium discolor
Wildflower In Stock
Field 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
Field 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.