Cirsium acaule

RHS Plant Profile
dwarf thistle

Other common names

stemless thistle, ysagallen ddigoes

Synonyms

Cnicus acaulis
Carduus acaulis

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

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
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

Pruning

Deadhead if seed is not required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews