Cirsium Species, Creeping Thistle, Curly Head, Melancholy Thistle

Cirsium heterophyllum

Family
Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Cirsium (SIR-see-um)
Species
heterophyllum (het-er-oh-FY-luh)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Herbaceous
This plant is resistant to deer
Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Magenta (pink-purple)
Lavender
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Regional

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Gardener's Notes:

0
positive
1
neutral
0
negative
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| June 2009 | neutral

Considered a weed in most countries. Not quite as invasive as most other Cirsium, and less spiny. Good for attracting butterflies and oth...Read More

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