Common Name: Field Thistle

Scientific Name: Cirsium discolor

Family: Asteraceae

Habitat: Meadows, Prairies, Woodland Edges

Native: Yes

Life Cycle: Biennial 

Bloom Time: Summer, Fall

Height: Up to 10 feet

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Well drained

Pollinators: Bees, Butterflies, Birds

Description: Field Thistle is a native biennial wildflower that grows naturally in meadows, prairies, and woodland edges where there is full sun to partly shady conditions. Field Thistle, which can be identified by its pink to purple flowerheads, fuzzy stems, and prickly leaves, grows up to 10 feet tall and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. Field Thistle blooms between late summer to fall and attracts many pollinators including bees, butterflies, and birds. This photo of Field Thistle was taken in the Native Grass Meadow at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.