Cirsium occidentale

Also Known As

Cobweb Thistle

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

H: 3'
W: 2'

planting zones

6a-10b

More Options

Cirsium occidentale plant details

Cirsium occidentale is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with blue foliage. In spring purple and red flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cirsium occidentale

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous blue
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 3 FT tall
Flowers: purple and red blooms in spring
Uses: easy-to-grow, spiky

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cirsium occidentale

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Uncommon thistle, native in California and mountains in southern Oregon, and more well-behaved than its relatives. A biennial that spends its first year as a rosette of grayish white, wooly and spiny leaves. The second year produces upright, stems, to 3 ft tall, topped with red thistle flowers, the bracts covered in cobweb-like hairs. Showy and loved by pollinators. Sun to part shade in gritty well drained soil. USDA zone 7 possibly colder.

By: Cistus Nursery

The Snowy thistle or Cobweb thistle is a spectacular biennial native to the Great Basin of the Western United States-including south east Oregon. A basal rosette of nearly white from which rises the second year a snowy white candelabra of electric magenta/red flowers. Full sun and very sharp drainage. Tolerant of drought. Reseeds in open, disturbed ground. Not weedy at all!