Prairie Thistle

Scientific name

Cirsium flodmanii

Description

Prairie Thistle is a wildflower species that typically grows about 0.5 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common name Flodman’s Thistle. The leaves are alternately arranged, dark green coloured, covered in hairs, and have deep, wavy, spread out lobes with sharp spines at the tips. The flowers are pinkish purple, appear on branching stems out of spiny bracts, and bloom between June and August. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. The seeds are also beneficial to wildlife species, like birds and small mammals. This plant grows easily and is low maintenance. Not to be confused with the invasive Canada/ Common thistle.

Planting conditions

Prairie Thistle grows best in normal to moist conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers well-drained, sand or loam but can grow in a variety of soil types. It is tolerant of dry or wet conditions. It can be naturally found in wet prairies, meadows, fields, and along roadsides or railways.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Humus
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Wildflower
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 0.5 m
• Spread:
  • 1 m