Milk Thistle
Lactuca serriola
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
24"–72" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
ND, NV, UT, WV
Pollinators
bees, flies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Milk thistle is a tall annual wildflower that produces small yellow dandelion-like flowers from summer through fall. This native plant can reach up to 6 feet tall and has deeply lobed leaves with prickly edges. It readily self-seeds and spreads naturally in disturbed soils.
In an HOA neighborhood
Milk 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.
- Looks distinctly weedy and unkempt
- Can grow very tall and appear uncontrolled
- Prickly leaves may be seen as undesirable
- Self-seeds aggressively
Wildlife value
The flowers attract various pollinators including bees, flies, and beetles throughout the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for birds, particularly goldfinches and other seed-eating species.
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 Milk Thistle fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.