Cirsium vulgare
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
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 the UK
- 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 occurs in disturbed ground or grassy places and provides a food source for a range of insects and birds, but it can become a serious weed as it spreads vigorously and it has the potential to become a nuisance. It is best not grown in a garden situation
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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