SafePlants

Texas Thistle (Cirsium texanum)

The Texas thistle, scientifically known as Cirsium texanum, is also commonly referred to as Southern Thistle or Texas Purple Thistle.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has numerous stickers (thorns) on each side of each leaf.
• The stems and leaves are spiny.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has numerous stickers (thorns) on each side of each leaf.
• The stems and leaves are spiny.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cirsium texanum Buckley
• Common Names: Texas Thistle, Southern Thistle, Texas Purple Thistle
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)

Distribution and Habitat

• The Texas thistle is found in Texas.
• Specifically, it grows in sandy or clayey soils of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The Texas thistle typically grows to a height of 2 to 5 feet.
• It is described as an herb, either without branches or sparingly branched near the top.
• Leaves are alternate, 4-9 inches long, green on top, and white underneath.
• It is a prickly, tap-rooted annual or perennial.

Ecological Role

• Mentioned in comparison to the Nodding Thistle, an invasive species disliked by ranchers and farmers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Texas Thistle serves as a food source.
• Observed to be a feeding spot for Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies and Hoverflies.

Quirky Facts

• Someone mentioned boiling, peeling, and eating the thistle heads like artichokes, although there is no confirmation of this.

Further Information

• Texas distribution information is attributed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.