Nearctica - Eastern Wildflowers - Asteraceae - Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor)

Field Thistle

(Cirsium discolor)

Color Photographs: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Cirsium altissimum

Tall Thistle is easily mistaken for Field Thistle. The leaves of Tall Thistle are not as deeply incised as in Field Thistle and the spines are smaller and weaker.

Cirsium virginianum

Virginia Thistle has narrow, linear leaves and the upper leaves of the stem do not embrace the flower head.

Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor)

Identification: Flower head ovate with an apical spray of purple to lavender florets. Upper leaves small, curled upward, and embracing the flower head. Flower head bracts with pale bristles. Stem naked without spines or spiny plates. Leaves broad, heavily incised with each projection tipped with a stout spine. Underside of leaves white and woolly. Plant 3 to 9 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout eastern North America except Florida.

Habitat: Field Thistle thrives in a variety of habitats including open woods, fields, prairie, and disturbed areas.

Flowering period: July to October.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

Field Thistle (Cirsium discolor)

Similar Species:

Tall Thistle (Cirsium altissimum)

Virginia Thistle (Cirsium virginianum)

Similar Species