Cirsium acaule (Stemless Thistle) is a biennial or short-lived perennial forming spreading rosettes of deep green, spiny leaves, up to 6 in. long (15 cm). In summer to early fall, pincushion-like purple flowers, 1.5 in. (4 cm), emerge from the center of the basal rosette. Packed with small disk florets, they are borne directly on the leaf rosette and are sessile, or very shortly stalked. The blossoms are visited by bees and butterflies. Often found on calcerous grasslands, this European native makes an easy-care groundcover.

• Grows up to 1-4 ft. tall (30-120 cm). Will self-sow in the garden and spread by underground rhizomes.
• Thrives in full sun in poor, average, mesic to moist, well-drained soils.
• Primarily recommended for natural landscapes, prairies and meadows, and wildflower gardens.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native to much of Europe.