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
Size
Growing conditions
Colour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
Aspect
Exposure
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
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