swamp thistle
Cirsium muticum
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size2 to 7 feet tall
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White , purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Swamp thistle (Cirsium muticum) is a perennial for pollinator gardens, low maintenance beds, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet, sandy soil. It bears white or purple blooms and draws butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and birds. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Plants can reach about 83 inches tall, so give them room.
Pairs well with Meadowsweet, American blue vervain, and Switchgrass.
Native range
AL, AR, CT, DE, and 36 more places. See all 40
AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV; MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, and SK.