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Herbaceous Perennial

Cirsium acaule

dwarf thistle

A low-growing perennial, with a spreading rosette of stiff, spiny, divided glossy green leaves. In summer, produces thistle-like flowers that are usually solitary and stemless, with clusters of tubular, violet-coloured petals, and are followed by fluffy white seed heads

Other common names
stemless thistle
ysagallen ddigoes
Synonyms
Cnicus acaulis
Carduus acaulis
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Cirsium may be biennials or perennials with spiny leaves and typical thistle-type flower-heads

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe to C Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in full sun, particularly on chalk and limestone but will tolerate any well-drained soil; often found on grazing sward where it benefits from shorter grass coverage

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Deadhead if seed is not required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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