How much sun does Douglas' thistle need?

Douglas' thistle grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Douglas' thistle bloom?

Douglas' thistle blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Douglas' thistle native?

Douglas' thistle (Cirsium douglasii) is native to CA, NV, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Douglas' thistle host?

Douglas' thistle is a larval host plant for painted lady.

Douglas' thistle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cirsium douglasii

Last reviewed: September 2026

Douglas' thistle (Cirsium douglasii) is a biennial forb native to CA, NV, OR. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Toxicity unknown

Douglas' thistle (Cirsium douglasii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

36"–72" H × 18"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, NV, OR

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts

A tall, spiny native thistle of wet meadows with deeply lobed, prickly leaves and pink-purple flower heads through summer. Its spiny texture reads as an aggressive weed to most homeowners despite being a genuine native wetland species.

Growing Douglas' thistle

Grow Douglas' thistle in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 18 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for painted lady.

Native thistles are outstanding nectar sources for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and the foliage hosts painted lady caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Douglas' thistle need?: Douglas' thistle grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Douglas' thistle bloom?: Douglas' thistle blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Douglas' thistle native?: Douglas' thistle (Cirsium douglasii) is native to CA, NV, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Douglas' thistle host?: Douglas' thistle is a larval host plant for painted lady.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Douglas' thistle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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