Wavy-Leaved Thistle
Cirsium undulatumfam. Asteroideae
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Pl. 546F — Cirsium undulatum
Cirsium undulatumCirsium undulatumCirsium undulatumCirsium undulatumCirsium undulatumCirsium undulatumCirsium undulatumCirsium undulatumCirsium undulatumCirsium undulatumCirsium undulatumCirsium undulatumCirsium undulatumCirsium undulatum
IOverview
Overview
Wavy-Leaved Thistle (Cirsium undulatum) is a perennial forb or herb native to regions including Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, and Georgia. Known for its edible roots and stems, this plant thrives in various soil types—light, medium, and heavy clay—and prefers full sun with dry to moist conditions. Found across North America from the central United States to Canada and parts of Mexico, it can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. Its distinctive wavy leaves set it apart from other thistles, making it a notable addition to gardens or natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Wavy-Leaved Thistle?
Wavy-Leaved Thistle (Cirsium undulatum) is a perennial forb or herb native to regions including Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, and Georgia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wavy-Leaved Thistle thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is adaptable to both dry and moist conditions but generally performs best with moderate watering. This perennial grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is native to a wide range of regions including parts of North America and Mexico. For propagation, it can be grown from seeds or divisions. Harvest the root and stem for edible use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Wavy-Leaved Thistle for the first time
8steps
Start with Wavy-Leaved Thistle as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of seeds or young plants, a trowel, and some mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun. Prepare loose, well-draining soil with compost.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep or plant young seedlings in the garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water only when needed, especially during dry spells. Remove any weeds that compete for nutrients.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems in late winter to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to remove weeds.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:RootStem
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Manitoba, Mexico Northwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming, British Columbia, Missouri, Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asteroideae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asteroideae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 546f7a0f-c94e-4a2c-9a36-a30cfad803e7
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