description Field Thistle Overview
Field thistle, Cirsium discolor, is a biennial or short-lived perennial thistle native to eastern and central North America. It develops a basal rosette before sending up a branching flowering stem with spiny leaves that are green above and densely white-woolly beneath. Its purple flower heads supply nectar to butterflies and bees, while the mature seeds are eaten by birds such as American goldfinches, which may also use the attached fibers in nesting.
help Field Thistle FAQ
What is the scientific name of field thistle?
Field thistle is Cirsium discolor. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial native to eastern and central North America.
How can you identify field thistle leaves?
The leaves are spiny, green on the upper surface, and densely white-woolly underneath. That pale underside is a useful feature when distinguishing the plant from other thistles.
What flowers does field thistle produce?
Field thistle produces purple flower heads on a branching flowering stem. Before flowering, the plant first develops a basal rosette of leaves.
Is field thistle a perennial or biennial plant?
It can be biennial or a short-lived perennial, so its lifespan varies by growing conditions. Its first stage commonly consists of a basal rosette before the flowering stem appears.
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