Cirsium vulgare![RHS Plants for pollinators](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS_Bee_YELLOW-REGISTERED.png)
![RHS Plants for pollinators](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS_Bee_YELLOW-REGISTERED.png)
spear thistle
A handsome biennial that rises to a metre in height, the spear thistle bears spiny stems and pinnately lobed, pointed leaves. Pinkish-purple thistle flowers bloom singly or in clusters from midsummer through to early autumn
Other common names
bank thistlebird thistle
see moreblue thistle
boar thistle
bull thistle
bur thistle
button thistle
horse thistle
plume thistle
march ysgallen
Synonyms
Cirsium lanceolatumCarduus lanceolatus
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Naturally occuring in disturbed ground or grassy places, spear thistle provides a food source for a range of insects and birds. Its large, spiny leaf rosettes, and ability to spread rapidly by seed, can make it a serious agricultural weed. However, it can be tolerated in less-cultivated parts of the garden for its wildlife value and handsome looks - just watch out for the very sharp spines. See creeping thistle for more information
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required, but prompt deadheading will help keep it under control
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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