bristle thistle

Cirsium horridulum

The bristle thistle is a spiky plant that grows tall and proud. Its bright purple flowers attract butterflies and bees, making it a favorite in gardens and fields.

Hábitat: Grasslands

Aspecto

The bristle thistle is a robust plant with large, deeply lobed leaves covered in sharp spines, making it very distinctive. Its flowers are typically bright yellow or purplish, nestled within a crown of spiny bracts, standing out in sunny areas.

ReinoPlantaeFiloTracheophytaClaseMagnoliopsidaOrdenAsteralesFamiliaAsteraceaeGéneroCirsium

bristle thistle

Categoría

Plantas

Rareza

Common

Peligro

2/5 · Bajo

Snaps

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Datos interesantes

Even though it's spiky, its roots and young stems can be cooked and eaten by people!

Many types of butterflies and bees love to sip nectar from its bright, colorful flowers.

The 'horridulum' in its scientific name actually means 'bristly' or 'prickly' in Latin!

This plant can act as a nurse plant, providing shelter for smaller seedlings underneath its spiny leaves.

Habilidades especiales

Bristle thistle has sharp spines covering its leaves and stems that help it defend against hungry animals trying to eat it.

Bristle thistle can grow a long taproot deep into the soil to help it find water during dry spells and stay firmly anchored.

Bristle thistle produces fluffy seeds with parachute-like structures that help them catch the wind and spread far away.

Medidas y detalles

Altura: 30-150 cm
Extensión: 30-90 cm
Tamaño de la flor: 2-5 cm
Temporada de floración: Primavera a verano
Comestible: Sí
Toxicidad: Ninguna
Ciclo de vida: Bienal
Método de polinización: Insectos

Conexiones ecológicas

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen

eats

Painted Lady

Vanessa cardui

caterpillars feed on leaves

eats

American Goldfinch

Carduelis tristis

feasts on mature seeds

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

visits flowers for nectar

Rasgos

Floración

Las plantas con flores son cualquier planta que produce flores como parte de su ciclo reproductivo.

Bienal

Las plantas bienales completan su ciclo de vida en dos temporadas de crecimiento, formando típicamente follaje en el primer año y floreciendo o semillando en el segundo.

Floración de verano

Las plantas de floración de verano producen sus flores durante la temporada estival, a menudo aportando un color vibrante cuando muchas otras plantas ya han terminado de florecer.