Alphabetical Plant Listing

Cirsium acaule (Stemless Thistle)

Stemless Thistle, Dwarf Thistle


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.

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 10
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Plant Family Cirsium - Thistles
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 4" – 10" (10cm – 25cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Ground Covers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Coulanges, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 10
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Plant Family Cirsium - Thistles
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 4" – 10" (10cm – 25cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Ground Covers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Cirsium acaule (Stemless Thistle)

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