Pronounced (approximate): SIR-see-um al-TISS-ih-mum
Purple tubular florets form rounded thistle heads. Green overlapping bracts surround each flower head.
Tall Thistle (Cirsium altissimum): purple flower head from above. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Asteraceae
Life cycle Biennial or short-lived perennial
Blooms Summer–fall
Height 3–10 feet
Habitat Open woods, woodland edges, and roadsides
Common names
Tall Thistle · Roadside Thistle
Bloom timing and height vary with location. Native status refers to North America; see the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Open woods, woodland edges, and roadsides. Flowering season: summer–fall.
Compare with Field Thistle, whose leaves are typically deeply divided. Leaf variation and hybrids can make some plants difficult to identify.
Purple tubular florets form rounded thistle heads.
Upper leaves are usually broad and unlobed or only shallowly divided, with pale undersides.
Look for biennial or short-lived perennial growth in open woods, woodland edges, and roadsides. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
4 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it.
Native to central and eastern North America.
Reported U.S. native distribution
AL, AR, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, WV, WI
State records describe documented distribution, not presence in every county. The observation map shows reported sightings and may include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Tall Thistle in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.