Tall Thistle is a native biennial or short-lived perennial thistle of the central United States, reaching impressive heights of 4–10 feet. It produces large, rose-purple flower heads that are magnets for pollinators in late summer and fall. Unlike invasive thistles, the Tall Thistle has deeply lobed leaves that are green on top and densely white-woolly underneath. It is a critical late-season resource for migrating monarchs and other butterflies.
Best time to see a Tall Thistle
The best time to see a Tall Thistle is August–September, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,160 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Tall Thistle sightings near you
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