Bull thistle Cirsium vulgare
ABOUT
Cirsium vulgare, commonly known as bull thistle, is a robust plant that is easily recognizable by its spiny and winged stems. The leaves of this thistle are large, deeply lobed, and feature a prominent, spiky silhouette that can be intimidating to handle without gloves. The edges of the leaves are equipped with stiff spines, while the leaf surfaces are a dark green color with a slightly hairy texture. The plant is best known for its striking flowers, which are deep purplish pink and bloom at the ends of the branches. These flowers are globe-shaped and composed of many small, individual florets that come together to form the larger flower head, a characteristic feature of plants in this group. These flower heads are also surrounded by a spiny involucre, which adds to the plant's prickly appearance. Bull thistle's stems and branches are stout and can be covered with spiny wings that run along the length of the stem. The overall appearance of bull thistle is somewhat coarse and aggressive due to its spiny nature, yet it is also considered visually striking when in bloom due to its vibrant floral displays. The combination of the spiny leaves, winged stems, and bold flowers makes the bull thistle a distinctive and easily identifiable plant in natural landscapes, where it is often found in open, disturbed areas.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Bull Thistle, Common Thistle, Spear Thistle, Scotch Thistle.
Common names
Carduus lanceolatus, Carduus vulgaris, Cirsium horridum, Cirsium lanceolatum, Cnicus lanceolatus, Cnicus vulgaris.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, it is advisable to avoid ingesting parts of the plant as it may cause mild gastrointestinal distress in some individuals, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is also covered in spiny hairs that can cause mechanical irritation if handled. Always use caution when handling or considering the consumption of wild plants, as identification errors can lead to ingestion of truly toxic species.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is not highly toxic to pets. However, consumption of the plant may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea. The spiny nature of the plant can also cause mechanical irritation to the mouth and digestive tract if ingested, or to the skin if touched. It is generally best to prevent pets from eating wild plants, including the bull thistle, to avoid potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-6 feet (0.6-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Wildlife Habitat: Cirsium vulgare, commonly known as the bull thistle, provides nectar and pollen for a variety of insects such as bees, butterflies, and moths, contributing to biodiversity.
- Soil Improvement: Its deep taproots can break up compacted soil and bring up nutrients from deeper layers, enhancing soil fertility.
- Food Source: The plant is edible; young leaves and stems can be cooked and eaten after removing spines; roots and flower buds are also edible.
- Erosion Control: The bull thistle can help prevent soil erosion due to its extensive root system that stabilizes the ground.
- Livestock Feed: While often deemed a nuisance, some farmers use thistles as an emergency feed for livestock, provided it is cut before the spines harden.
- Habitat Restoration: Can be used in restoration projects as it is a pioneer species that can colonize disturbed ground, paving the way for other plants.
- Traditional Uses: Historically, parts of the plant have been used for their fibre in paper and fabric making.
- Aesthetic Value: Its purple flowers can add visual interest to natural-style gardens and landscapes.
- Companion Planting: Supports agricultural practices by attracting beneficial insects that prey on pests detrimental to crops.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Cirsium vulgare has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation.
- Hemostatic: The plant is known to help in stopping bleeding.
- Astringent: It may be used to contract skin tissue and reduce bleeding from minor abrasions.
- Diuretic: Cirsium vulgare has been used to promote the production of urine to aid in the removal of waste from the body.
- Hepatoprotective: There are suggestions that it may protect the liver from damage.
- Antioxidant: The plant contains compounds that may help in fighting oxidative stress in the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cirsium vulgare, commonly known as thistle, has traditionally been used to coagulate milk in cheese making due to its rennet-like properties.
- The fluffy seed fibers of the thistle plant can be used as a stuffing material for pillows and mattresses, offering a natural alternative to synthetic fibers.
- Thistle seeds are an excellent food source for birds, particularly finches, and cultivating the plants in gardens can help attract and nourish wildlife.
- The stems of the thistle plant, when peeled, can be eaten raw or cooked, acting as a survival food or adding a unique element to foraged dishes.
- Thistle has been used in traditional crafting, with its sturdy stems being woven into baskets and its flowers used to make natural dyes.
- The roots of the thistle plant are edible and can be roasted to create a coffee substitute, adding variety to caffeine-free beverage options.
- In some cultures, the thistle is a symbol of protection and has been used in rituals or planted around homes and fields as a safeguard against evil.
- The papery bracts of the thistle can be employed artistically for their intricate textures in pressed flower crafts and botanical art.
- Due to its deep and extensive root system, Cirsium vulgare can be used in soil stabilization projects, helping to mitigate soil erosion on embankments and disturbed lands.
- Thistle down, the fine hairs from the seed heads, can be used as tinder for starting fires in bushcraft and outdoor survival practices.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bull Thistle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bull Thistle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: The Cirsium vulgare, commonly known as the Spear Thistle, has sharp spines on its leaves and stem, symbolizing a natural barrier against negativity and harm.
- Defensiveness: Its prickly nature gives rise to the association with a defensive attitude, cautioning others not to tread too closely or take advantage.
- Resilience: Spear Thistle is a hardy plant that can thrive in challenging conditions, representing strength, tenacity, and the ability to overcome adversity.
- Independence: The plant's ability to grow and proliferate on its own signifies a spirit of independence and self-reliance.
- Austerity: The thistle's spartan aesthetic and adaptation to arid environments can symbolize a no-nonsense approach and simplicity in life.
WaterThe Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) should be watered moderately as it is tolerant of drought once established. Watering should be done deeply to encourage deep root growth, which can be achieved by applying approximately 1 to 2 gallons of water per week. During the growing season, it’s important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, but consistently moist. During periods of prolonged rain or high humidity, reduce the watering frequency to prevent root rot.
LightBull Thistle prefers full sun conditions, ideally receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting in an area that is exposed to unfiltered sunlight will promote sturdy growth and better flowering. Avoid placing it in deep shade as it can lead to poor growth and sparse blooming.
TemperatureThe Bull Thistle thrives in a range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. It can survive in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Bull Thistle involves cutting back spent flowers to prevent the plant from self-seeding and becoming invasive. The best time for pruning is immediately after the blooms have faded, typically late summer to early autumn. Bull Thistle does not require regular pruning, doing so once a year is sufficient.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of loam and sand, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Amend the soil with organic compost to provide nutrients.
RepottingBull Thistle is a biennial, and as a wild plant, it does not require traditional repotting. Manage its spread by controlling its growth in the garden.
Humidity & MistingBull Thistle tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require special humidity considerations outside of natural outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suited for indoor growth; Bull Thistle is a wild outdoor plant.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil; control spread diligently.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA.
Life cycleThe spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare) begins its life as a seed, which germinates in the soil under suitable moisture and temperature conditions. It initially grows a rosette of spiny leaves close to the ground, where it can continue to develop for one or several seasons. When conditions are favorable, the rosette then sends up a flowering stalk, which can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. The plant produces purple flower heads, which are actually clusters of smaller florets, and are typically pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flower heads produce seeds, which are dispersed by wind due to their fluffy pappus attachments. The plant is a biennial, completing its life cycle across two growing seasons before dying, although it can occasionally behave as an annual or a short-lived perennial under certain conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most common method of propagating the Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is through its seeds. Seed collection typically occurs in late summer when the flower heads dry out and the purple blooms have turned into fluffy seed heads. The seeds are then scattered by wind or can be manually collected and sown. For manual sowing, the seeds can be scattered on the soil surface since they need light for germination. It is best to sow the seeds in the fall in a location that receives plenty of sunlight, as Bull Thistle thrives in well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Once sown, the seeds usually germinate in the following spring, establishing new plants that will grow and potentially flower within the same growing season if conditions are favorable.
