// SPECIES PROFILE · ANNUAL · NATIVE

Swamp thistle

Cirsium muticum

Swamp thistle (Cirsium muticum) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 38"–8'. Blooms Jul–Sep.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: annual
Native range: Native to 33 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11b
Mature size: 38"–8'
Sun: Full sun
Water: —
Bloom: Jul–Sep
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Swamp thistle (Cirsium muticum) — *Cirsium muticum* — Swamp thistle. Photo by Superior National Forest via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Swamp thistle (Cirsium muticum) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 38"–8'. Blooms Jul–Sep.

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, swamp thistle pairs naturally with: Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Swamp verbena (Verbena hastata), Common threeseed mercury (Acalypha rhomboidea).