Douglas' Thistle

Cirsium douglasii var. douglasii

perennial herbView on Calscape

Care

Size

7–16ft tall

Edible

Young shoots cooked as vegetable; roots eaten

Native Range

Coastal Ranges and Sierra Nevada of northern California from the Oregon border south to Kern County, typically between 1000-5000 ft elevation in grassland and open woodland.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Douglas' Thistle in a location that mimics its native wet habitat - it thrives in moist conditions, so choose a spot with reliable moisture or where water naturally collects. Space plants to accommodate their mature height of 7 to 16 feet and their branching growth pattern. This biennial or short-lived perennial is deer resistant, making it a good choice if wildlife pressure is a concern in your garden.

After Planting

Year one, expect leafy basal growth with large gray-green leaves; flowering typically occurs in the second year. Since this is a biennial or short-lived perennial, plan for it to complete its lifecycle rather than treating it as a permanent garden fixture. The main challenge is overwatering in the wrong conditions - despite needing moisture in its native wet habitat, poor drainage in Bay Area gardens can cause root rot, so ensure your soil drains adequately even while staying consistently moist.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

California Dogface ButterflyZerene eurydice

Federal Threatened; California Endangered; Species of Special Concern

Federal: Threatened, CA: Endangered, CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported