Pitcher's Thistle
NamePitcher's Thistle
Species NameCirsium pitcheri
Common NamePitcher's Thistle
Bonsai Styleinformal-upright
Estimated Age (years)2
Container Typenone
Geographic Originnorth-america
Cultivation Difficultyexpert
Trunk Featuresherbaceous stem, woolly texture, single stem
Foliage Typedeciduous
Height (cm)45
Nebari (Root Flare) Qualitypoor
Is Floweringtrue
Is Fruitingtrue
Notable FeaturesEndangered species native to the Great Lakes region, adapted to sandy dune environments, distinctive spiny foliage and woolly stem, prominent thistle flower.
Description
This specimen of Pitcher's Thistle is a biennial plant growing in its natural sandy dune habitat by a large body of water. It features a tall, woolly stem with silvery-green, spiny leaves and a distinctive light purple flower head at its apex, with several developing seed heads below. The plant is well-adapted to its harsh coastal environment.
