Common Thistle
Cirsium vulgare
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Pl. 9067 — Cirsium vulgare
Cirsium vulgareCirsium vulgareCirsium vulgareCirsium vulgareCirsium vulgareCirsium vulgareCirsium vulgareCirsium vulgareCirsium vulgareCirsium vulgareCirsium vulgareCirsium vulgareCirsium vulgareCirsium vulgare
IOverview
Overview
Common Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a biennial forb or herb that can grow up to 2 meters tall and thrives in moist conditions with light, medium, or heavy soil. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and parts of Europe and Asia, this plant has spread widely across these areas. Known for its edible parts—flowers, leaves, roots, seeds, and stems—it is valued as a food source. Common Thistle prefers a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable to various soil types while thriving in environments with adequate moisture. Its distinctive feature includes a light energy rating of 8/10, indicating its ability to grow well in moderate conditions.
Quick answers
What is Common Thistle?
Common Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a biennial forb or herb that can grow up to 2 meters tall and thrives in moist conditions with light, medium, or heavy soil. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and parts of Europe and Asia, this plant has spread widely across these areas.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Common Thistle thrives in light to medium and heavy soils, preferring a pH between 7 and 7.5. It requires moist conditions but can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay. This biennial plant grows up to 2 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For cultivation, ensure it receives plenty of light with a balance of moisture. Harvest edible parts such as flowers, leaves, roots, seeds, and stems. SKIP
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
2.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Common Thistle for the first time
7steps
Start with Common Thistle as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure the pH is between 7 and 7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors and transplant when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Prune dead or damaged parts as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune stems to encourage bushier growth and remove spent flowers to promote more blooms.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRootSeedStem
Edible uses: Oil, Curdling agent
Other uses:oiltextilesFire starter
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AustriaBelarusBelgiumCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranIraqKazakhstan
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Lebanon-Syria, Czechoslovakia, Kirgizstan, Kriti, Altay, Baltic States, East Aegean Is., Krasnoyarsk
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 9067ec73-5ed4-4e2e-8743-39bba26c6666
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