wavyleaf thistle
ExplorePlants
wavyleaf thistle
Cirsium undulatum
The wavyleaf thistle is a tall plant with wavy leaves and purple flowers. It grows in sunny places and attracts butterflies and bees, making it a lovely sight in nature.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The wavyleaf thistle has tall, branching stems topped with bright purplish-pink flower heads. Its defining feature is the distinctive silvery-green leaves, which are deeply lobed, wavy, and armed with numerous sharp spines along their edges. This plant stands out with its robust, prickly appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusCirsium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient people knew how to cook and eat parts of this prickly plant, making it a surprise meal!
Each thistle flower head is actually a cluster of many tiny individual purple flowers!
Its cheerful purple flowers are a vital fuel stop for many migrating butterflies!
This plant can grow in tough, dry soils where many other plants simply cannot survive!
Special abilities
Ability
Spiny Defense System
Wavyleaf thistle has sharp spines covering its leaves and stems that help it defend against hungry herbivores.
Ability
Deep Root Anchor
Wavyleaf thistle grows an extremely long taproot that helps it find deep water and survive dry conditions.
Ability
Wind-Powered Seeds
Wavyleaf thistle seeds have a fluffy pappus that helps them float on the wind for wide dispersal.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-180 cm
- Spread
- 30-90 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Gathers nectar and pollen from its flowers.
pollinates
Monarch Butterfly
Danaus plexippus
Feeds on nectar from its vibrant blooms.
eaten by
American Goldfinch
Carduelis tristis
Eats the plant's seeds from its mature flower heads.
eaten by
Painted Lady Butterfly
Vanessa cardui
Larvae sometimes feed on its leaves.
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
Be careful around thistles, as their leaves can be sharp!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is wavyleaf thistle?
30-180 cm
How wide does wavyleaf thistle spread?
30-90 cm
How big are the flowers on wavyleaf thistle?
2-5 cm
When does wavyleaf thistle bloom?
Summer
Is wavyleaf thistle edible?
Yes
Is wavyleaf thistle toxic?
None
What is wavyleaf thistle's lifecycle?
Biennial
How is wavyleaf thistle pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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