// SPECIES PROFILE · ANNUAL · NATIVE

Texas thistle

Cirsium texanum

Texas thistle (Cirsium texanum) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–10a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Apr–Aug.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: annual
Native range: Native to MO, OK, TX
USDA hardiness: Zones 5a–10a
Mature size: 29"–6'
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Apr–Aug
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Texas thistle (Cirsium texanum) — *Cirsium texanum* — Texas thistle. Photo by Megan Kossa via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Texas thistle (Cirsium texanum) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–10a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Apr–Aug. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

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, texas thistle pairs naturally with: Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella), Lemon Beebalm (Monarda citriodora).