Yellow thistle (Cirsium horridulum)

Yellow thistle

Also known as: Bull thistle, Spiny thistle

Bull yellow thistle (*Cirsium horridulum*) is a flowering plant related to the sunflower that is native to North America. Bull yellow thistle is also referred to as the Horrible Thistle, the Spiny Thistle, and the "Big spine Thistle." Thomas Nuttall, an English botanist who worked in America, called the plant "terribly armed."

Scientific classification

Species

Yellow thistle (Cirsium horridulum)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Spring

Harvest Time

46 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen, Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Images of Yellow thistle

Distribution of Yellow thistle

Distribution Map

Yellow thistle is native to East of the US and Central America. It has stayed in its native region, not being introduced anywhere else. Its natural ecosystem is wetland, including marshes and shores and fields containing peat and sand.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Edges of salt marshes

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Strength, Protection, Hex Breaking

Name Story

Yellow thistle: Thistle comes from the Middle English thistel meaning "to prick". The edges of leaves are featured with sharp pricks and most of the same species have yellow flowers. Therefore, it is called a yellow thistle.

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Toxicity

Yellow thistle causes dermatitis upon contact with its spikey spines, resulting in itchy, red, or inflamed skin. Children are most affected, potentially falling into the plant. Ingestion and airborne allergy are not of concern.

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Quickly Identify Yellow thistle

Tall branching stem, 2-8 feet (60-244 cm) high, covered in spines.

Large yellowish or red-purple flower heads with spiky bracts.

8-24 inch (20-61 cm) foliage with white wooly underside and spines.

3-inch (7.6 cm) wide disc flower heads in vibrant yellow and pink to purple.

Small, flat, brown fruit with feathery pappus for wind dispersal.

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Care Guide for Yellow thistle

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Yellow thistle prefers moist meadows and open fields, requiring consistent moisture. It has moderate drought tolerance and thrives with weekly watering. As an herbaceous perennial, yellow thistle grows outdoors, utilizing natural rainfall patterns for optimal growth and water efficiency.

Fertilize: Fertilizing yellow thistle with balanced nutrition promotes growth; high nitrogen enhances blooms. Feed in spring, adjusting amounts based on soil richness to prevent over-fertilization. Reduce quantity as dormancy nears, using slow-release or diluted fertilizers while following label instructions for optimal health and vitality.

Pruning: Yellow thistle features spiny leaves and bright yellow flowers. Pruning is essential from early to late spring, enhancing air circulation and reducing disease risk. Key techniques include trimming spent blooms and removing damaged foliage, promoting a healthier, manageable garden presence.

Propagation: Yellow thistle is propagated primarily by sowing in Spring, promoting vigorous, prickly growth. Although not difficult, proper care is essential to prevent excessively saturated soil, which can hinder successful propagation.

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Images of Yellow thistle

Distribution of Yellow thistle

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Yellow thistle

Care Guide for Yellow thistle

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