ExplorePlants

Bull Thistle

Cirsium vulgare

Bull Thistle is a tall plant with spiky leaves and bright purple flowers. It grows in fields and along roadsides, making it easy to spot in nature!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Bull Thistle has large, stiff, deeply lobed leaves armed with sharp, yellow spines. Its stout, hairy stems are topped with bristly, globe-shaped flower heads that bloom with vibrant purple to pink-magenta florets.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusCirsium
Bull Thistle
flowering trait badgebiennial trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgecolorful trait badge
Bull Thistle

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A single Bull Thistle plant can produce thousands of tiny seeds!

Its taproot can grow over 2 feet deep into the soil.

Many birds, like goldfinches, love to eat its nutritious seeds.

Young thistle stems and roots can be cooked and eaten!

Special abilities

Ability

Spine Armor

Bull Thistle has sharp, rigid spines that protect its leaves and stems from hungry herbivores.

Ability

Seed Dispersal Power

Bull Thistle can launch its feathery seeds on the wind, helping them travel far and wide to new growing spots.

Ability

Deep Root Anchor

Bull Thistle has a thick taproot that helps it reach deep water and stay firmly anchored.

Measurements & details

Height
50-180 cm
Spread
30-90 cm
Flower Size
3-5 cm
Bloom Season
Summer-fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Biennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen from flowers.

pollinates

Monarch Butterfly

Danaus plexippus

Drinks nectar from its purple blooms.

eats

American Goldfinch

Carduelis tristis

Consumes seeds directly from dried flower heads.

eats

Thistle Weevil

Rhinocyllus conicus

Larvae develop within the seed heads, consuming seeds.

Traits

Also known as

Spear ThistleTumble Thistle

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful around Bull Thistle because its leaves are sharp!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Bull Thistle?

50-180 cm

How wide does Bull Thistle spread?

30-90 cm

How big are the flowers on Bull Thistle?

3-5 cm

When does Bull Thistle bloom?

Summer-fall

Is Bull Thistle edible?

Yes

Is Bull Thistle toxic?

None

What is Bull Thistle's lifecycle?

Biennial

How is Bull Thistle pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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