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 |
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 |