How much sun does Flodman's Thistle need?

Flodman's Thistle grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Flodman's Thistle bloom?

Flodman's Thistle blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Flodman's Thistle native?

Flodman's Thistle (Cirsium flodmanii) is native to CO, IA, IL, KS and 8 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Flodman's Thistle attract?

Flodman's Thistle draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Is Flodman's Thistle HOA-friendly?

Flodman's Thistle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Flodman's Thistle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cirsium flodmanii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Flodman's Thistle (Cirsium flodmanii) 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

low

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CO, IA, IL, KS and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies High Plains Central Great Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area

Flodman's thistle is a native prairie wildflower that produces purple blooms on tall stems during summer months. This drought-tolerant perennial grows in clumps and can reach up to 4 feet tall with spiny leaves and stems typical of thistle plants.

In an HOA neighborhood

Flodman's Thistle takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Spiny appearance looks aggressive and weedy to most homeowners
Common name includes 'thistle' which has negative associations
Can self-seed and spread beyond intended areas

Wildlife value

The purple flowers are valuable nectar sources for native bees, butterflies, and beetles during summer blooming season. Seeds provide food for goldfinches and other songbirds in fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Flodman's Thistle need?: Flodman's Thistle grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Flodman's Thistle bloom?: Flodman's Thistle blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Flodman's Thistle native?: Flodman's Thistle (Cirsium flodmanii) is native to CO, IA, IL, KS and 8 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Flodman's Thistle attract?: Flodman's Thistle draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Flodman's Thistle HOA-friendly?: Flodman's Thistle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz