// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Carolina thistle

Cirsium carolinianum

Carolina thistle (Cirsium carolinianum) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–10a.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 15 U.S. states, including AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KY…
USDA hardiness: Zones 5a–10a
Mature size: —
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: —
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Carolina thistle (Cirsium carolinianum) — *Cirsium carolinianum* — Carolina thistle. Photo by sonnia hill via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Carolina thistle (Cirsium carolinianum) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–10a.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, carolina thistle pairs naturally with: American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea), Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa).