Water
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to maintain consistently moist soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in cooler months when the plant's growth slows down.
Also known as Crisped Thistle · Curled Thistle · Curly Bristle Thistle
Carduus crispus, the Curly Plumeless Thistle, is a robust biennial herb known for its spiny, deeply lobed leaves and spiny bracts surrounding its flower heads.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Reduce in cooler months.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
50% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, including frost. Prefers moderate conditions.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to maintain consistently moist soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in cooler months when the plant's growth slows down.
Deadhead spent flower heads to prevent self-seeding and prolong blooming. In late autumn or early spring, remove dead or damaged foliage. Cut back to the ground to encourage vigorous new growth.
Propagate from seed sown in autumn or early spring. Direct sowing outdoors is often most successful. Division of established clumps can also be done in early spring.
This plant is typically grown from seed or direct sown and rarely requires repotting. If grown in a container, repot in early spring when the plant becomes root-bound, moving to a slightly larger pot with well-draining soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Curly Plumeless Thistle (Carduus crispus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Carduus |
| Species | Carduus crispus |
Similar in genus Carduus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data