Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Cirsium

Species:

Cirsium fontinale

USDA Symbol:

CIFO2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

200 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov

Bloom Colors:

white, pink, lavender

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:

★★★★☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, clay-rich, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

poor drainage tolerated

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

commonly found in serpentine seeps and wetland areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with cold stratification and consistent moisture. Light may enhance germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI