Milk Thistle
Lactuca scariola
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
low
Size
12"–72" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
NY
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Milk thistle is a tall annual wildflower that produces small yellow flowers in summer. Despite its name, it's actually a wild lettuce species that can grow quite large and has a somewhat weedy appearance.
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.
- Often considered a weed by HOAs
- Can spread aggressively by seed
- Dies back unsightly in fall
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies. Seeds provide food for birds when the plant goes to seed.
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.