Cirsium arvense
creeping thistle
A fast-spreading perennial reaching 1m in height and colonising by rhizomes. Stems are generally spineless, although leaves are pinnately lobed and spiny. Pinky-lilac flowers, 1-1.5cm across are borne in clusters between June and September and become the classic thistledown for wind dispersal
Other common names
Californian thistleCanada thistle
see moreNorth American cursed thistle
prickly thistle
swamp thistle
way thistle
Synonyms
Serratula arvensis
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Suckering
- Genus
Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, NE US
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in disturbed ground or grassy places and provides a food source for a range of insects and birds. It can become a serious weed as it spreads using lateral roots which are brittle and readily re-shoot if broken. It has the potential to become a nuisance and best not grown in a garden situation. See our web page on creeping thistle for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division of the rhizomes
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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