Cirsium eriophorum aka Woolly Thistle

Taxonomy

Cirsium eriophorum, also known as the woolly thistle, is a biennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is widespread across Europe and can be found on chalk and limestone scrub and grassland, as well as on disturbed ground like old quarries. This large herbaceous plant has sharp spines on the tips of its leaves and long, woolly hairs on much of its foliage. Its flower heads are nearly spherical, with spines on the outside and many purple disc florets but no ray florets. The woolly thistle is a super rare houseplant that requires regular watering and direct light, preferably less than 1 foot from a window. It thrives in well-draining soil and benefits from organic fertilizer during the peak growing season. Despite its rarity as a houseplant, the woolly thistle is attractive to a wide range of insects.

Common names

Woolly Thistle

How to care for Woolly Thistle

Difficulty

Woolly Thistle presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Woolly Thistle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Woolly Thistle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Woolly Thistle thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Woolly Thistle.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Woolly Thistle to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Woolly Thistle’s native range is Central Europe, from Britain, France and Holland to the Balkans and Upper Volga.


More info:
Wikipedia