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Description
Cirsium Altissimum, also known as Tall Thistle, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found in the eastern and central parts of the United States. It is a tall plant that can grow up to 6 feet in height and spread up to 3 feet in width. The plant has a deep taproot that allows it to adapt to various soil and environmental conditions.The plant produces beautiful pink to purple flowers that bloom in the summer months. The flowers are surrounded by prickly bracts that protect them from herbivores. The plant also produces feathery seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cirsium |
Appearance
The Cirsium Altissimum plant has a striking appearance. It has a tall, erect stem that can grow up to 6 feet in height. The stem is covered in spiny leaves that can grow up to 12 inches long. The leaves are deeply lobed and have a grayish-green color. The plant produces pink to purple flowers that bloom in the summer months. The flowers are surrounded by prickly bracts that protect them from herbivores. The plant also produces feathery seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Care Guide
Caring for Cirsium Altissimum is relatively easy. Here are some tips to ensure that your plant thrives:Water: The plant requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow and thrive.Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cirsium Altissimum is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, some common pests that can affect the plant include aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Diseases that can affect the plant include rust and leaf spot.
Habitat
Cirsium Altissimum is native to North America and can be found in the eastern and central parts of the United States. The plant prefers open fields, meadows, and prairies. It can also thrive in disturbed areas such as roadsides and pastures.
Question and Answer
Q. Is Cirsium Altissimum an invasive plant?A. No, Cirsium Altissimum is not considered an invasive plant.Q. How often should I fertilize my Cirsium Altissimum plant?A. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Q. What is the hardiness zone for Cirsium Altissimum?A. The plant can grow in hardiness zones 3 to 8.Q. Can Cirsium Altissimum grow in partial shade?A. Yes, the plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow and thrive.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cirsium Altissimum:- Cirsium horridulum (Yellow Thistle)- Cirsium discolor (Field Thistle)- Cirsium vulgare (Bull Thistle)- Cirsium arvense (Canada Thistle)
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Cirsium altissimum (L.) Hill. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CIAL7- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Cirsium altissimum. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d270- Illinois Wildflowers. (n.d.). Cirsium altissimum (Tall Thistle). Retrieved from https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/tall_thistlex.html
