Cirsium flodmanii (Flodman's Thistle)
| Also known as: | Hollow-root Thistle, Prairie Thistle |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Cirsium |
| Family: | Asteraceae (Aster) |
| Life cycle: | biennial, short-lived perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | sun; moist prairies |
| Bloom season: | June - August |
| Plant height: | 1 to 3 feet |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | GP: FAC MW: FAC NCNE: FACU |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/cirsium-flodmanii-15.jpg)
Flower heads are reddish purple to rose, 1 to 2 inches wide, single or a few at the end of branching stems at the top of the plant. Bracts are longer than wide with white racing stripe and small spreading spines.
Leaves and stem:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/cirsium-flodmani-009.jpg)
Leaves are alternate and deeply lobed, about 6 inches long at the base of the plant, becoming smaller as they ascend the stem. Lobes are generally triangular and quite wavy, with a spine at the tip of a lobe. The upper surface is dark green, lightly covered in cob-webby hairs, while the lower surface is velvety white from a dense mat of hairs.
![[photo of stem]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/cirsium-flodmanii-12.jpg)
Stems are 1 to a few from the base, few branched, and covered with a fine downy coating.
Notes:
Like most native thistles this one's spines are far less dense and prickly as compared to most of the non-native and more aggressive species.Though this species can be found up into the Arrowhead region, it is most commonly found throughout the western half of Minnesota on lower, moderately moist sites. It is easily distinguished from other thistles by the cob-webby or woolly hairs throughout, and its relatively short stature.
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More photos
Flodman's Thistle plant
Flodman's Thistle habitat
first year rosette of leaves
upper leaves
early season plant
late season plant
Flodman's Thistle plant
Flodman's Thistle habitat
first year rosette of leaves
upper leaves
early season plant
late season plantPhotos by K. Chayka taken at McKnight Prairie, Goohdue County, and at Ordway Prairie, Pope County. Photos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk taken in Pennington County and at Ordway Prairie..
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2015-08-22 09:38:45
Found on guided tour of this area on 8-8-15.
on: 2015-11-25 11:25:22
I just planted this-- excited to see what insects it supports! Got plants from Minnesota Native Landscapes (MNL).
on: 2016-08-22 09:18:15
A large population along a recreational trail that was once a railroad bed. Noticed that the bumble bees and monarchs are particularly fond of this plant, even with a lot of other native species blooming in the same area.
on: 2017-06-01 16:40:10
I'm fairly certain that I just removed some flodmans thistle from a juniper bed. This would add to the map, Beltrami County. Thanks for the site!! Super helpful!
on: 2017-06-29 22:27:51
Sunny semi-wet prairie
on: 2017-08-14 14:57:35
A couple small stands of this thistle in an old pasture. Soil is heavy clay.
on: 2017-12-03 20:07:27
I saw some in Bemidji near a lake
on: 2018-04-06 11:19:15
Have had this thistle in our pasture for about 5 years. It seems to be spreading. I notice the warblers eating the seeds in the autumn. The soil is very gravelly and partially bush covered, with open grass areas. I realize you aren't focusing on Canada but felt I needed to add my info.
on: 2018-04-08 20:56:51
Barbara, Manitoba borders Minnesota and we like to hear what our neighbors have, too.
on: 2018-06-23 14:52:07
I think I have flodmans thistle in my wild flower field. Could I send you picture? Don
on: 2019-05-30 12:37:11
Who was Flodman?
on: 2021-07-18 21:57:52
There are several local sites with Flodmans thistle including the golf course abracadabra drive. It grows on the left side in the news lawn along side nature spruce trees and receives much shade. Seems to tolerate being mowed.
on: 2024-07-21 16:24:46
I have these as well as field thistle growing wild. I had the hardest time identifying which thistle but am now sure they are Flodman's. The bees love them.