Also known as Indian Thistle · Short-Style Thistle · Short-Styled Thistle
Clustered Thistle (Cirsium brevistylum) is a stout perennial with prickly leaves and dense clusters of thistle flowers, often found in moist meadows and open woods.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once established.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, prefers cooler summers.
Low
25% intensity
Generally not required; a light feeding in spring is sufficient.
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 during the establishment phase, especially during dry periods. Once established, Cirsium brevistylum is relatively drought-tolerant.
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot, particularly in containers. Reduce watering in winter.
Deadhead spent flower stalks to prevent self-seeding and encourage reblooming. Cut back the plant to the ground in late fall or early spring before new growth emerges.
Remove any dead or damaged foliage throughout the growing season to maintain a tidy appearance.
Cirsium brevistylum can be propagated by seed or division. Sow seeds in fall or early spring, either directly outdoors or in a cold frame.
Divide established clumps in early spring, ensuring each division has roots and shoots, for best results.
Repotting is typically only necessary for container-grown plants, which may need it every 1-2 years as they outgrow their space. Repot in spring before active growth begins, using a well-draining potting mix.
Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Clustered Thistle (Cirsium brevistylum)
Where Clustered Thistle (Cirsium brevistylum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cirsium |
| Species | Cirsium brevistylum |
Similar in genus Cirsium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
