cobwebby thistle
Cirsium occidentale
USDA zones7 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size2 to 5 feet tall
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- White , pink , purple
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Cobwebby thistle (Cirsium occidentale) is a perennial for borders and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 7, or down to 0°F (-18°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry, sandy or loamy soil. Its white, woolly foliage sets off crimson flower heads that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Wear gloves when you handle the prickly stems. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything.
Pairs well with California poppy, Beardtongue, and Shenandoah switchgrass.
Native range
CA and OR.