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Yellow-spine Thistle

Cirsium ochrocentrum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Yellow-spine Thistle (Cirsium ochrocentrum)
Photo: Clarence A. Rechenthin / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Yellow-spine Thistle (Cirsium ochrocentrum) 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 × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CA, CO, KS, NE and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested MountainsCentral Basin and RangeNorth American DesertsSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauNorthwestern Great PlainsMadrean Archipelago

Yellow spine thistle is a native perennial with spiny stems and yellow-centered purple flower heads that bloom from summer into fall. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and poor soils, forming clumps that can reach up to 4 feet tall.

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In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Thistle appearance considered weedy by most HOAs
  • Sharp spines create safety concerns
  • Can spread aggressively if not managed

Wildlife value

The nectar-rich flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for goldfinches and other birds in late fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Yellow-spine Thistle need?
Yellow-spine Thistle grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Yellow-spine Thistle bloom?
Yellow-spine Thistle blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Yellow-spine Thistle native?
Yellow-spine Thistle (Cirsium ochrocentrum) is native to CA, CO, KS, NE and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Yellow-spine Thistle attract?
Yellow-spine Thistle draws bees and butterflies.
Is Yellow-spine Thistle HOA-friendly?
Yellow-spine 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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