// SPECIES PROFILE · ANNUAL · NATIVE

Bristle thistle

Cirsium horridulum

Bristle thistle (Cirsium horridulum) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 38"–8'.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: annual
Native range: Native to 23 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–11b
Mature size: 38"–8'
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: —
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Bristle thistle (Cirsium horridulum) — *Cirsium horridulum* — Bristle thistle. Photo by Bladner32 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Bristle thistle (Cirsium horridulum) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–11b. Mature size 38"–8'.

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, bristle thistle pairs naturally with: Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Louisiana devil's-claw (Proboscidea louisianica), Swamp verbena (Verbena hastata), Slim amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus).