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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Milk Thistle need?
- Milk Thistle grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Milk Thistle bloom?
- Milk Thistle blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Milk Thistle native?
- Milk Thistle (Lactuca scariola) is native to NY, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Milk Thistle attract?
- Milk Thistle draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Milk Thistle HOA-friendly?
- Milk 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Milk Thistle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz