// SPECIES PROFILE · ANNUAL · NATIVE

Wavyleaf thistle

Cirsium undulatum

Wavyleaf thistle (Cirsium undulatum) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Mature size 34"–7'. Blooms May–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: annual
Native range: Native to 25 U.S. states, including AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–11a
Mature size: 34"–7'
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: May–Jun
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Wavyleaf thistle (Cirsium undulatum) — *Cirsium undulatum* — Wavyleaf thistle. Photo by JW Stockert via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Wavyleaf thistle (Cirsium undulatum) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Mature size 34"–7'. Blooms May–Jun.

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, wavyleaf thistle pairs naturally with: Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Swamp verbena (Verbena hastata), Annual ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia var. artemisiifolia), Field sagewort (Artemisia campestris).