Japanese thistle - Cirsium japonicum (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Japanese thistle

The stem height is 49 to 91 cm. The leaves cleave like feathers and have thorns on the edges. The base of the foliage holds the stem. Root leaves remain during the flowering season. The flowering season is from spring to summer, and some japanese thistle have the characteristics of spring blooming but rarely bloom until fall. The flower (head-like inflorescence) is composed only of cylindrical flowers, and the diameter is 4 to 5 cm. The flower is typically purple, but can rarely be white.

Scientific classification

Species

Japanese thistle (Cirsium japonicum)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Perennial, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 80 cm

Plant Height

40 cm to 60 cm

Spread

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Japanese thistle

Distribution of Japanese thistle

Distribution Map

Japanese thistle is a plant native to East Asia and has a natural habitat extending across several regions within that continent. Over the years, japanese thistle has also been introduced to parts of Eastern Europe. The plant is known to be cultivated but thrives mostly in its indigenous range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Sunny slopes in lowlands and foothills

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

It grows in hillside forests, margins and shrubs.

Symbolism

Rigorous and steady

Interesting Facts

Japanese thistle stems are covered with thorns. It is said that when Scotland was attacked by the Norwegian army, it was these white japanese thistles that kept Scots alive.

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Care Guide for Japanese thistle

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Japanese thistle thrives in moderate humidity and requires weekly watering. Its drought tolerance allows it to withstand short dry spells, but it grows best with consistent moisture. As an herbaceous perennial, japanese thistle benefits from natural rain cycles when grown outdoors.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, japanese thistle requires balanced nutrition fertilizers with a thistle-suited N-P-K ratio applied monthly during the growing season. Over-fertilization should be avoided, and adjustments made during dormancy. Always water japanese thistle post-fertilizing and consider slow-release options for sustained feeding.

Pruning: Japanese thistle thrives with proper pruning, such as deadheading spent blooms and trimming back stems. Early to late spring is the best time for pruning to promote healthy growth. This practice improves air circulation, minimizes pests, and controls aggressive spreading, using clean tools to prevent disease.

Propagation: Japanese thistle is best propagated through division, separating healthy root clumps into smaller sections with roots and shoots for independent growth. After dividing, plant in well-draining soil and provide adequate water and care to promote strong establishment of new specimens.

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