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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

Other common names
ysgallen y gors
Synonyms
Carduus palustris
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical 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

Get involved

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