I personally consider the Spear Thistle the most handsome plant growing naturally in our fields, although most other folks, particularly the farmers, consider them a total hazard!

The butterflies love this plant, the rare Painted Lady, American Painted Lady, and Little Metalmark butterflies all use this plant as a host plant.
A great addition to any butterfly garden… and of course the national emblem of Scotland…..

HOWEVER……it is specified in the Weeds Act 1959 and is classed as an “Injurious Weed”. This mean that is an offence to allow it to spread, though in practice this is not enforced, indeed the Roads Authority is one of the major offenders by allowing all varieties of thistles to shower the countryside with seed as they are wafted by passing traffic!

Flowers should be removed as they mature and loose their colour (wearing gloves!) Should you wish to remove the whole plant, the rosettes can be easily dug up but providing the crown is removed the short fleshy tap-root will not regrow.

Cirsium vulgare grows at first as a rosette close to the ground with a tap-root. In the late spring of the second year, it 'bolts' producing winged multi-stems which can reach 1.5 metres in height and produce many compound flowers with tufts of purple petals protruding from spheres of spined bracts.

After fertilization the seeds mature and the petals loose their colour. As the flower head dries up it splits open to release the pappus with a seed at their centres. The dried stems can remain for a few years if they are not disturbed.

Sowing:
The natural cycle of this biennial would be for the seed to be dispersed in autumn where most would germinate in 14 to 30 days but seed can remain dormant for up to three years in the soil where it will germinate when conditions are suitable.

To reproduce its natural cycle, sowings should be done in the autumn, and controlled by planting in pots. (Do not distribute directly into fields or areas where it cannot be controlled). Remove the seedlings that do germinate and place remaining pots outdoors to go through a winter.

Cultivation:
When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart. For best results, provide a well-drained soil in full sun.

Plant Uses:
Wildflower, Wildlife natural planting schemes and Butterfly Gardens