cotton thistle (Onopordum acanthium)
Onopordum acanthium, or Cotton Thistle, is a biennial herb with spiny leaves and stems, and large purple flowers. It has a silvery-grey, woolly appearance and can grow ve
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established; moderate water for young plants.
Soil
Well-drained, prefers fertile, loamy soils but tolerates a wide range of soil types, including poor or disturbed soils. It can grow in sandy, clay, or chalky soils.
Temperature
Hardy and adaptable to temperate climates, tolerating cold winters and hot summers.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Generally not needed; thrives in average to fertile soils.
Care Requirements
Requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
Drought-tolerant once established; moderate water for young plants.
Well-drained, prefers fertile, loamy soils but tolerates a wide range of soil types, including poor or disturbed soils. It can grow in sandy, clay, or chalky soils.
Hardy and adaptable to temperate climates, tolerating cold winters and hot summers.
Outdoor
Generally not needed; thrives in average to fertile soils.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Category
Ornamental
Plant Place Type
Ground, Garden
Plant Environment
Outdoor
Lifespan
Biennials
Plant Height
0.5-3 m
Spread
0.5-1.5 m
Growth Rate
Fast
Dormancy
Winter dormancy (rosette stage)
Leaf Color
Grey-green, Silvery
Leaf Type
Deeply lobed, spiny, decurrent
Flower Size
3-6 cm
Optimal Sunlight Lux
75000
Weed Status
Yes
Image Gallery
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderAsterales
- familyAsteraceae
- genusOnopordum
- speciesOnopordum acanthium
Toxic for humans
No
Rating: 0/5
Toxic for pets
No
Rating: 0/5
Edible
No
The plant is not chemically toxic to humans or pets, but its formidable spines can cause physical injury upon contact.