Pasture Thistle (Cirsium discolor)
Cirsium discolor, commonly known as Pasture Thistle, is a native biennial or short-lived perennial found in prairies, open woodlands, fields, and roadsides throughout Illinois. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun, thriving in both dry and mesic conditions, making it a versatile addition to many native habitats.
This thistle features spiny, deeply lobed leaves with soft, whitish undersides, giving the plant a bicolor appearance. From mid to late summer, it produces large, fluffy, lavender to purplish-pink flower heads atop tall, branched stems that can reach 2 to 8 feet in height. Unlike invasive thistles, its spines are relatively modest, and it does not aggressively spread by rhizomes.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Cirsium discolor is an important pollinator plant that provides nectar for butterflies, bumblebees, and long-tongued bees, as well as seeds for goldfinches and other birds. Its bold flowers and height make it a striking feature in prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and naturalized meadows. As a native thistle, it plays a crucial ecological role without the invasiveness associated with non-native species.
Cirsium discolor, commonly known as Pasture Thistle, is a native biennial or short-lived perennial found in prairies, open woodlands, fields, and roadsides throughout Illinois. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun, thriving in both dry and mesic conditions, making it a versatile addition to many native habitats.
This thistle features spiny, deeply lobed leaves with soft, whitish undersides, giving the plant a bicolor appearance. From mid to late summer, it produces large, fluffy, lavender to purplish-pink flower heads atop tall, branched stems that can reach 2 to 8 feet in height. Unlike invasive thistles, its spines are relatively modest, and it does not aggressively spread by rhizomes.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Cirsium discolor is an important pollinator plant that provides nectar for butterflies, bumblebees, and long-tongued bees, as well as seeds for goldfinches and other birds. Its bold flowers and height make it a striking feature in prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and naturalized meadows. As a native thistle, it plays a crucial ecological role without the invasiveness associated with non-native species.
Cirsium discolor, commonly known as Pasture Thistle, is a native biennial or short-lived perennial found in prairies, open woodlands, fields, and roadsides throughout Illinois. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun, thriving in both dry and mesic conditions, making it a versatile addition to many native habitats.
This thistle features spiny, deeply lobed leaves with soft, whitish undersides, giving the plant a bicolor appearance. From mid to late summer, it produces large, fluffy, lavender to purplish-pink flower heads atop tall, branched stems that can reach 2 to 8 feet in height. Unlike invasive thistles, its spines are relatively modest, and it does not aggressively spread by rhizomes.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Cirsium discolor is an important pollinator plant that provides nectar for butterflies, bumblebees, and long-tongued bees, as well as seeds for goldfinches and other birds. Its bold flowers and height make it a striking feature in prairie restorations, pollinator gardens, and naturalized meadows. As a native thistle, it plays a crucial ecological role without the invasiveness associated with non-native species.
Bloom: late summer to fall
Habitats: limestone glades; moist to dry prairies; open areas along railroads and roadsides; openings in woodland areas; pastures and abandoned fields; waste areas
Lifespan: biennial; short-lived perennial
Moisture: mesic
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 8 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: clay-loam; loam