Cirsium occidentale (Cobweb Thistle) CC RO

Plant Description: A native biennial thistle species that grows with a large size diversity (from 2-10 feet!). It grows green-gray hairy leaves and rounded flower heads with a spiked base and petals that can be white, red, or most often purple. The spiked flower head base is fibrous and webbed, resembling a cob web. Not to be mixed up with non-native thistle, this is not a harmful weed and supports a diversity of native species. 

 Most parts of the plant, including the leaves and the stalk (when peeled) are edible *NEVER CONSUME PLANTS WITHOUT PROPER ID*

• Height: 2-10 ft

• Width: 1-4 ft

• Watering needs: drought tolerant when established

• Sun needs: sun-part sun

• Soil needs: well draining

• Bloom Time: Summer 

• Portland Plant List (Backyard Habitat Certification): No

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: Unlike invasive or harmful thistle, this is a larval host for several species of butterfly, including painted lady, and is worth adding to a sunny, dry garden space. Grows best in rocky, sandy, or dry soil with good drainage such as grass lands, on top of berms, or dry meadows. Pair with grass species and allow patches to form.