Meadow thistle

Cirsium dissectum

Also known as Fen thistle, Marsh thistle, Cirsium dissectum, Cnicus dissectus

Native Plants · Thistle · Native Wildflower · Pollinator · Wildlife Garden · Meadow · Purple Flowers · Cirsium · Wetland · European Native · Birds

Meadow thistle is a handsome native perennial ideal for wildlife and wildflower meadow gardens, producing striking purple flowerheads that attract a wide range of pollinators and seed-eating birds. It prefers moist, nutrient-poor grassland or boggy conditions in full sun to partial shade and does not tolerate dry soils well. Deadhead spent flowers if you wish to control self-seeding, and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour.