Pasture Thistle

Pasture Thistle should be watered when the top few centimeters of soil in the pot are dry. This species can survive dry conditions, so overwatering should be avoided. Water thoroughly and evenly, but not too often, only when the soil is dry. Allow the pot to drain completely after each watering.

Pasture Thistle (Cirsium pumilum) is native to northern North America and thrives in sunny environments. In general, this plant species does best when exposed to a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day during its active growing season. In the spring and summer when the sun is at its highest and brightest, full sunlight is preferred. In the fall and winter, however, some light sheltering from leaves or trees overhead can be beneficial to maintain a slightly cooler and more consistent temperature range for the plant. This will give it a higher chance of survival over the colder months. In summary, Pasture Thistle (Cirsium pumilum) should receive a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day throughout the spring and summer, with some partial shade in the fall and winter to provide a slightly cooler and more consistent temperature range.

Pasture thistle (Cirsium pumilum) should be pruned in early spring right before the plant begins to flower. This will help prevent excessive flower and seed production and will help the pastures thistle maintain a more compact brief habit. The plant should be cut back to the basal rosette of foliage (about 2 - 4 inches) and remove all flowering shoots. If the thistle has been in the same location for a few seasons it may need to be cut back further since it is an aggressive plant.