Cirsium muticum - Swamp Thistle

Cirsium muticum - Swamp ThistleSizes available: TBD, coming in 2026 Basics: zones 3 9, 2 9' (taller with consistent moisture) x 1', flowers are pinks to purples and bloom on a tall, branching stem late summer to fall, likes a wet to medium wet soil, maybe calcareous sand, but adaptable to other soil types and pH. Common names: Swamp Thistle, Marsh Thistle, Dunce nettle, Horsetops, Fen Thistle Family: Asteraceae Origin Distribution: Occurs in northern central and eastern North

Sizes available: TBD, coming in 2026

Basics: zones 3-9, 2-9' (taller with consistent moisture) x 1',  flowers are pinks to purples and bloom on a tall, branching stem late summer to fall, likes a wet to medium wet soil, maybe calcareous sand, but adaptable to other soil types and pH.

Common names: Swamp Thistle, Marsh Thistle, Dunce-nettle, Horsetops, Fen Thistle

Family: Asteraceae

Origin/Distribution: Occurs in northern-central and eastern North America. Its populations are concentrated in Canada and New England west to the Great Lakes and south to Appalachia. There are scattered populations further south. Native to Maine.

Habitat: Found at swamp and bog edges, in low, damp fields and meadows, in sandy wetland soils, and on salt marsh margins. 

More: Wants more moisture than our other native thistle, Cirsium discolor. The height of this plant is quite variable and depends on the factors of soil type, amount of light, completion, amount of moisture and fertility. More information coming soon.

Source: sown at Honey Petal Plants with seed from Prairie Moon Nursery

Image credits: both the flower and the basal foliage from Superior National Forest through Creative Commons via the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox