Why choose a prickly thistle? Because it offers nectar, pollen, and nesting materials for native bees. This thistle in the Aster family has creamy white flowers above leaves that are white and velvety beneath and grayish on the surface. The leaf bases extend wing-like down the stem. Prairie thistle is often found on overgrazed western pastures. Its native range includes Ohio and 7 other states in the US.
Plant Characteristics:
Reaches 3-4' tall.
Prefers full or part sun.
Grows in dry or moist sandy, rocky, loamy, or clay soils.
Fluffy white flowers bloom between June and August followed by achenes.
Full profile to come!
Thistle, Prairie, Cirsium canescens
We happily purchase or trade other plant material for locally gathered native seeds. Please provide pictures of the mature plant if possible, ideally flowering for best ID.