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Cobwebby Thistle

Cirsium occidentale

The Cobwebby Thistle is a tall plant with spiky leaves and fluffy purple flowers. It attracts butterflies and bees, making it a fun plant to spot in nature!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Cobwebby Thistle has a striking appearance with deeply lobed, spiny green leaves covered in a distinctive white, woolly 'cobweb' texture. Its tall, sturdy stems are topped with fluffy, globe-shaped flower heads in shades of bright magenta or purple, often appearing like a spiky, vibrant pom-pom.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusCirsium
Cobwebby Thistle
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Cobwebby Thistle

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Even though spiky, young thistle stalks can be peeled and eaten like celery!

Indigenous people once used its tough fibers to weave ropes and even fishing nets!

Its seeds have tiny parachutes that let them float far away on the wind!

This thistle can grow in really tough, dry places where other plants struggle!

Special abilities

Ability

Spiky Armor

Cobwebby Thistle has sharp, protective spines that help defend it from hungry animals wanting to take a bite.

Ability

Fuzzy Blanket

Cobwebby Thistle has dense, white, cobweb-like hairs that help it reflect sunlight and keep moisture inside.

Ability

Deep Drinker

Cobwebby Thistle has a long taproot that helps it reach deep water sources in dry, thirsty environments.

Measurements & details

Height
30-180 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
3-6 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to late summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Biennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

Painted Lady butterfly

Vanessa cardui

larvae feed on leaves

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen

pollinates

Monarch butterfly

Danaus plexippus

drinks nectar from flowers

eats

Lesser Goldfinch

Carduelis psaltria

consumes mature thistle seeds

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful of the spiky leaves when touching this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Cobwebby Thistle?

30-180 cm

How wide does Cobwebby Thistle spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on Cobwebby Thistle?

3-6 cm

When does Cobwebby Thistle bloom?

Late spring to late summer

Is Cobwebby Thistle edible?

Yes

Is Cobwebby Thistle toxic?

None

What is Cobwebby Thistle's lifecycle?

Biennial

How is Cobwebby Thistle pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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