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Annual Biennial
Cirsium palustre
marsh thistle
A native, biennial thistle reaching to around 1.5m in height, typically found growing in moist soils. The upright, spiny and hairy stem bears dark green, spiny-edged leaves and is topped by clusters of dark purple, thistle flower heads in summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N & C Eur., NE US
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers a moist, acidic soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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