Field Thistle

Cirsium discolor

Common names also include Pasture Thistle.

This purple-flowered thistle hails from the prairies of the eastern half of the United States and Canada. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial that features large blooms and sharply cut leaves. With a long taproot, it can thrive on limited amounts of water once established.

Not to be confused with Bull Thistle, Field Thistle is less spiny and has slightly lighter-colored blossoms. Those large blooms are attractive to a wide variety of native pollinators. Additionally, the seeds it produces are a favorite of goldfinches. It serves as a larval host for Painted Lady butterflies.

Height: 3’-6’
Spread: 1’-2’
Bloom: June-September
Light: Full Sun
Water: Low
Zone: 3-9
Origin: Texas, central and eastern U.S. and Canada