- Name
- Thistles
- Common Names
- Scientific Name
- Cirsium spp
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Description
- Thistles are in the aster family and can vary greatly in size and color of the flowers. They all have spines and some are considered weedy. There are about 60 species that are native to North America. Bull Thistle was introduced from Europe and has naturalized in most of North America. It is reported as invasive in several states.
- Leaves
- Spines are present on the leaves.
- Flowers
- Depending on species, flowers may be yellow, pink, purple, red, or white, with purple being most common. Numerous disc florets that are divided into 5 long thread-like lobes giving it a showy hair-like appearance. Spines present in the numerous bracts below the flower. C. vulgare: The ~2 inch flowers are pinkish-purple and occur solitary or in groups of 2-3. The bracts are stiff and rigid and have yellow-tipped spines. Blooms mid to late summer.
- Bloom Time
- June-October
- Pollen Source
- creamy white
- Nectar Source
- Thistles are a high nectar plant that supports bees and butterflies
- Pollen Color
- Native to NC
- No
