bristle thistle
ExplorePlants
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.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
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.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusCirsium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
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.
Special abilities
Ability
Spiky Shield
Bristle thistle has sharp spines covering its leaves and stems that help it defend against hungry animals trying to eat it.
Ability
Deep Drinker
Bristle thistle can grow a long taproot deep into the soil to help it find water during dry spells and stay firmly anchored.
Ability
Parachute Seeds
Bristle thistle produces fluffy seeds with parachute-like structures that help them catch the wind and spread far away.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-150 cm
- Spread
- 30-90 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
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
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Biennial
Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering/seeding in the second.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Don't touch the sharp leaves without adult help!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is bristle thistle?
30-150 cm
How wide does bristle thistle spread?
30-90 cm
How big are the flowers on bristle thistle?
2-5 cm
When does bristle thistle bloom?
Spring to Summer
Is bristle thistle edible?
Yes
Is bristle thistle toxic?
None
What is bristle thistle's lifecycle?
Biennial
How is bristle thistle pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
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Goose Island State Park
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Delaware, US
Delaware Seashore State Park
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Park48 sightings5 species
Maryland, US
Assateague State Park
You might spot Domestic Horse, Sanderling, and Atlantic Ghost Crab.
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