Species PlantsBull Thistle

Bull Thistle

Cirsium vulgare

CommonPlant
Illustration of Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)

Bull Thistle is a biennial plant with spiny leaves and purple flowers. It is considered a weed in many areas due to its aggressive growth and spiny nature.

Habitat
Commonly found in pastures, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Diet
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Bull Thistle

The best time to see a Bull Thistle is May–August, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 54,128 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Bull Thistle? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Bull Thistle sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Bull Thistle? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Bull Thistle is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love plants? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More plants

Bullhead Lily
Bullhead Lily
Nuphar variegata
Bunchberry
Bunchberry
Cornus canadensis
Bur Oak
Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa
Bushy Pinweed
Bushy Pinweed
Lechea stricta
Butter-and-eggs
Butter-and-eggs
Linaria vulgaris
Butterfly Mariposa Lily
Butterfly Mariposa Lily
Calochortus venustus
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Butternut
Butternut
Juglans cinerea