Bull thistle
| Botanical Name | Cirsium vulgare |
| Common Name | Bull thistle |
| Family | Asteraceae - Aster |
| Description | This nonnative biennial's leaves form a rosette the first year. It has a short, fleshy taproot. Its many spreading branches have green or brownish leaves. The leaves are prickly on upper sides and cottony underneath. They are wavy, lobed and very well guarded by their spines which also extend down the stem. |
| Mature Size | 2-5' |
| Bloom | July-Sept. The flowers are more or less clustered at the ends of branches. They are dark purple, 1 ½" – 2" wide and resemble purple powder puffs. The involucre is somewhat tapered and covered with spines. The seeds are topped by a circle of plume-like white hairs. |
| Interesting Facts | This native of Eurasia is classified as a Class C Weed. |
| Traditional and Medicinal Uses | The seeds are an important part of the diet of many birds, especially gold finches and pine siskins. Thistle seeds are sometimes sold as wild bird seed. The painted lady butterfly lays her eggs on the leaves of the Bull thistle. After they hatch, they eat the leaves. |
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Photo for SFBG by Janice Tucker
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Photo for SFBG by Janice Tucker
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