Cirsium vulgare aka Scotch Thistle
Taxonomy ID: 13802
Cirsium vulgare, also known as spear thistle, bull thistle, or common thistle, is a species of the Asteraceae genus Cirsium. It is native to most of Europe, Western Asia, and northwestern Africa. This tall biennial or short-lived monocarpic thistle produces a rosette of leaves and a taproot up to 70 cm long in the first year, and a flowering stem 1–1.5 m tall in the second year (rarely third or fourth). The stem is winged and has numerous longitudinal spine-tipped wings along its full length. The leaves are grey-green, deeply lobed, and stoutly spined. The basal leaves can grow up to 15–25 cm long, with smaller leaves on the upper part of the flower stem, and the leaf lobes are spear-shaped. The inflorescence is pink-purple and 2.5–5 cm in diameter, with all the florets of similar form. Cirsium vulgare is an invasive weed in some areas and designated an "injurious weed" under the UK Weeds Act 1959, and a noxious weed in Australia, and in nine US states. However, it does provide a great deal of nectar for pollinators and was ranked in the top 10 for most nectar production in a UK plants survey conducted by the AgriLand project which is supported by the UK Insect Pollinators Initiative. Marsh thistle, Cirsium palustre, was ranked in first place while this thistle was ranked in sixth place. It was also a top producer of nectar sugar in another study in Britain, ranked third with a production per floral unit of (2300 ± 400 μg). Despite its invasive tendencies, bull thistle does attract bees and butterflies to its nectar. The plant is also the national flower of Scotland.
Common names
Scotch Thistle, Spear Thistle, Bull Thistle, Common ThistleMore information about Scotch Thistle
How difficult is it to take care of Scotch Thistle
Scotch Thistle presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
What is the region of origin of Scotch Thistle
Scotch Thistle’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.
What are the water needs for Scotch Thistle
Scotch Thistle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Scotch Thistle
Scotch 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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Scotch Thistle
Scotch 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 Bull Thistle.
Is Scotch Thistle toxic to humans/pets?
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
What is the growth pattern of Scotch Thistle
Scotch Thistle grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Cirsium Genus

Cirsium eriophorum Woolly Thistle

Cirsium pitcheri Pitcher's Thistle

Cirsium flodmanii Flodman's Thistle

Cirsium arizonicum Arizona Thistle

Cirsium heterophyllum Melancholy Thistle
Cirsium dipsacolepis

Cirsium arisanense Cirsium Arisanense

Cirsium horridulum Bristly Thistle
Cirsium brevicaule
