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Tall Thistle
ExplorePlants
Tall Thistle
cirsium altissimum
The Tall Thistle is a tall and spiky plant that loves to grow in sunny places. Its beautiful purple flowers attract many butterflies and bees, making it a fun sight in the wild!
Habitat: Tall Thistles thrive in sunny fields, meadows, and along roadsides.
Appearance
The Tall Thistle is a remarkably tall plant, often reaching over 8 feet, with a sturdy, usually unbranched stem. It has large, deeply lobed leaves covered in sharp spines, and distinctive purple-pink, bristly flower heads that bloom atop the stem.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusCirsium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its prickly appearance, its young stems and roots are edible after careful preparation.
Goldfinches love to feast on the fluffy seeds of Tall Thistle, often seen clinging to the stalks.
Its seeds have fluffy parachutes, allowing the wind to carry them far and wide to new growing spots.
The "fluff" from its mature seeds can be used by birds to line their nests, providing warmth.
Special abilities
Ability
Spiny Shield
Tall Thistle has sharp spines that deter hungry animals from eating its leaves and stems.
Ability
Deep Drinker
Its long taproot helps Tall Thistle reach deep underground water, allowing it to survive dry periods.
Ability
Sun Seeker
Tall Thistle can grow incredibly tall, reaching high above other plants to capture plenty of sunlight.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 90-300 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 3-5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late summer to fall (Aug-Oct)
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Collects nectar and pollen from flowers.
pollinates
Monarch Butterfly
Danaus plexippus
Feeds on nectar, aiding in pollination.
eats
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
Feeds on the seeds, often clinging to stalks.
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
Traits
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.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Brush ThistleTall Thistleweed
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Tall Thistle?
90-300 cm
How wide does Tall Thistle spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Tall Thistle?
3-5 cm
When does Tall Thistle bloom?
Late summer to fall (Aug-Oct)
Is Tall Thistle edible?
Yes
Is Tall Thistle toxic?
None
What is Tall Thistle's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Tall Thistle pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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