Cirsium arvense
TAXONOMY
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusCirsium
Zone4
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Cirsium arvense, commonly known as Canada thistle, is a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but has become widespread in temperate regions worldwide. This plant is known for its spiny leaves and purple flowers. It has a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Creeping Thistle
Cynara Repens
Saussurea Pungens
Serratula Campestris
Serratula Complanata
Serratula Incana
Serratula Lanata
Serratula Setosa
Serratula Spinosa
Aplotaxis pungens
Breea arvensis
Breea dioica
Breea ochrolepidia
Breea praealta
Breea segeta f. segeta
Breea setosa
Carduus arvensis
Carduus arvensis var. arvensis
Carduus serratuloides
Cephalonoplos arvense
Cephalonoplos arvensis
Cephalonoplos arvensis var. arvensis
Cephalonoplos ochrolepidium
Cephalonoplos setosus
Cirsium albicans
Cirsium albiflorum
Cirsium argenteum
Cirsium argunense
Cirsium arvense f. albiflorum
Cirsium arvense f. arvense
Cirsium arvense f. incanum
Cirsium arvense f. rubricaule
Cirsium arvense subsp. arvense
Cirsium arvense subsp. incanum
Cirsium arvense subsp. setosum
Cirsium arvense subsp. vestitum
Cirsium arvense var. argenteum
Cirsium arvense var. arvense
Cirsium arvense var. horridum
Cirsium arvense var. incanum
Cirsium arvense var. mite
Cirsium arvense var. setosum
Cirsium arvense var. subulatum
Cirsium arvense var. vestitum
Cirsium ×celakovskianum
Cirsium dioicum
Cirsium halophilum
Cirsium horridum
Cirsium incanum
Cirsium laevigatum
Cirsium macrostylon
Cirsium mutatum
Cirsium ×mutatum
Cirsium neglectum
Cirsium ochrolepidium
Cirsium praealtum
Cirsium rubricaule
Cirsium ruthenicum
Cirsium segetum f. segetum
Cirsium setosum
Cirsium setosum f. albiflorum
Cirsium setosum var. mite
Cirsium setosum var. setosum
Cirsium setosum var. subulatum
Cirsium sordidum
Cirsium stocksii
Cnicus arvensis
Cnicus arvensis f. albiflorus
Cnicus arvensis f. arvensis
Cnicus arvensis var. arvensis
Cnicus arvensis var. setosus
Cnicus lanatus
Cnicus macrostylus
Cnicus ruthenicus
Cnicus setosus
Serratula arvensis
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature18° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy4 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Canada thistle prefers full sun and moderate temperatures. It thrives in temperate climates and requires moderate humidity. Regular watering is necessary, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. This plant is relatively easy to care for but can become invasive if not managed properly.Soil
Cirsium arvense prefers well-drained loamy soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but thrives best in nutrient-rich soil. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
This plant does not require regular fertilization. If the soil is particularly poor, a balanced fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the growing season.Repotting
Canada thistle is not typically grown in pots, so repotting is not necessary. In garden settings, it can spread aggressively, so managing its growth is more important than repotting.Propagation
Cirsium arvense can be propagated by seed or by division. Seeds should be sown in the spring, while division can be done in the fall or early spring. Ensure that each division has a portion of the root system.Pruning
Pruning is not generally required for Canada thistle. However, cutting back the plant before it sets seed can help control its spread.Toxicity
Cirsium arvense is not toxic to pets or humans. However, its spiny leaves can cause physical discomfort if handled without care.Additional
Canada thistle can become invasive in some areas, so it is important to monitor its growth and spread. Regularly removing flower heads before they set seed can help control its proliferation.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
