Cirsium occidentale var. venustum

Also Known As

Venus Thistle

Plant type

perennial, annual / biennial

size

H: 2'-10'
W: 1'-4'

planting zones

6a-11

More Options

Cirsium occidentale var. venustum plant details

Cirsium occidentale var. venustum is a broadleaf semi-evergreen annual / biennial or perennial with blue foliage. In summer red flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Attracts bees, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, clay and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cirsium occidentale var. venustum

Plant type: annual / biennial or perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue
Mature size: 1 FT - 4 FT - wide, 2 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cirsium occidentale var. venustum

USDA Zones: 6a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average, clay and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Venus thistle is a rather large, annual-biennial thistle that can grow to 6' tall. Unlike many introduced exotic thistles, this native species is not a troublesome weed. This native thistle is covered with short, soft, matted, white hairs and has very showy 1-2" bright red flowers in the summer from May - July. Plant in full sun. Hummingbirds and adult swallowtail butterflies are attracted to the flowers. Native throughout California deserts, mountains, and valleys, in western Nevada, southern Oregon, and southwestern Idaho. Hummingbirds and adult swallowtail butterflies are attracted to the flowers. No Historical Uses found. Found in open grasslands as well as partly shaded woods. Communitites located in Grassland, woodland, sandy places, western Mojave Desert and west Transverse Range Between 0 and 11811 feet.