Meadow Thistle (Cirsium dissectum) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to damp meadows and fens across Europe. It is characterized by its deeply lobed leaves and striking purple flower heads that bloom from late spring to early summer. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Meadow Thistle plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, providing habitat and nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its deep root system aids in soil stabilization and water retention, making it an excellent choice for erosion control in wetland areas. Historically, thistles have been used in traditional medicine for their diuretic properties, although Meadow Thistle is not commonly used for food or medicine today. In a food forest system, it can serve as a ground cover layer, contributing to soil health by adding organic matter and supporting beneficial insect populations. It can be paired with other moisture-loving plants like Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) to create a thriving wetland guild.
Growing Details
Meadow Thistle thrives in damp, nutrient-rich soils with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost to improve moisture retention. Mulching with straw or leaf litter can help maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include moisture-loving species like Meadowsweet and Marsh Marigold. Common mistakes include planting in overly dry or compacted soils, which can hinder growth. Optimal harvest timing for
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Cirsium dissectum</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe, commonly found in damp mead
applicable geo region: Europe
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of July for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(0/5)
edible uses:
Medicinal Rating:
(1/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, thistles have been used for their diuretic properties, though Meadow Thistle is not commonly used in modern herbal medicine.
health concerns: Handle with care due to spiny leaves.
other uses: Erosion control
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Cirsium dissectum
common names: Meadow Thistle; Fen Thistle; Marsh Thistle
family: Asteraceae
sub family:
tribe: Cardueae
sub tribe:
genus: Cirsium
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.5 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 20ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 25ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity: High
light demands: Medium
root type: Deep
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(6/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Slow
max height: 0.6 m
max width: 0.3 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Meadow Thistle thrives in damp, nutrient-rich soils with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost to improve moisture retention. Mulching with straw or leaf litter can help maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include moisture-loving species like Meadowsweet and Marsh Marigold. Common mistakes include planting in overly dry or compacted soils, which can hinder growth. Optimal harvest timing for
Potential Disturbances: Aphids and slugs can occasionally be a problem. Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Use organic slug traps or barriers to protect young plants. Planting garlic or chives nearby can help repel slugs.
Growth Timeline
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