Horrid Thistle
Cirsium horridulum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Horrid thistle is a spiny native wildflower that produces showy yellow, pink, or purple blooms from summer into early fall. This robust perennial forms clumps of deeply lobed, thorny leaves and can reach up to 4 feet tall when flowering. The plant attracts numerous pollinators but requires careful placement due to its aggressive spines.
In an HOA neighborhood
Horrid 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.
- Very spiny and can appear aggressive or weedy
- Name includes 'horrid' which creates negative perception
- May self-seed aggressively in some conditions
Wildlife value
This thistle is exceptionally valuable for pollinators, attracting native bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles to its nectar-rich flowers. The seeds also provide food for goldfinches and other songbirds in late summer and fall.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Horrid Thistle fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.