Yellow Star-Thistle

At maturity, this species reaches approximately 1 to 3 feet tall, presenting Narrow, spiny lobes; gray-green in color along with Bright yellow, thistle-like flowers with a star shape, followed by Dry, hairy achenes. These features are supported by a reliable Taproot system with fibrous lateral roots, ensuring stability and sustained growth.

Native to Mediterranean region, introduced to North America, Yellow Star-Thistle thrives in Disturbed fields, roadsides, grasslands at elevations around Sea level to 5,000 feet. Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zone 6 to 9. Whether grown indoor, in a curated garden or a more natural setting, its ecological requirements help maintain its vigor over time.

You can use our free plant identify app PlantPlants to chose the best spot for Yellow Star-Thistle, This plant prefers Full sun to partial shade and flourishes in Well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a soil pH of about 6.0 to 8.0.

Yellow Star-Thistle needs watering,Low to moderate, guided by PlantPlants app, You can get plants daily watering schedule. to maintain Drought tolerant once established, ensure steady hydration. Applying water through Drip irrigation preferred supports even distribution and helps prevent overwatering or dryness.

Yellow Star-Thistle performs best within 50 F to 90 F (10 C to 32 C). Its ideal growth occurs at around 70 F to 80 F (21 C to 27 C), though it tolerates ranges from 30 F to 100 F (-1 C to 38 C). Additionally, maintaining Moderate encourages healthy foliage and overall plant vigor.

Feeding with Balanced fertilizer at the recommended Seasonal Application Frequency on PlantPlants App keeps nutrients balanced. Incorporating Compost enhances soil structure and fertility, while staying alert to Yellowing leaves, stunted growth helps you adjust care as needed to maintain optimal plant health.

Regular attention ensures this plant’s beauty and longevity. Early spring for Remove dead or damaged stems tidies its appearance, while N/A (Typically direct-seeded) may be necessary as it grows, requiring a N/A (Typically not grown in pots) increase and a fresh Standard potting mix if container-grown. for Staking or Support. None.

During Winter, growth may slow and some Leaves remain green but may die back in winter can occur. For those looking to propagate, consider Seed propagation and provide Surface sow seeds in spring or fall when starting from seed. If using cuttings, follow N/A (typically propagated from seeds) to ensure successful rooting and healthy new plants.

our free plant identify and care app PlantPlants can help you diagnosisYellow Star-Thistle problems.Though generally robust, keep watch for Aphids, caterpillars and remain vigilant against Root rot in overly damp soils. Implementing Good drainage, crop rotation and applying Insecticidal soap for pests when issues arise will help sustain the plant thriving.

This plant pairs nicely with Clover, vetch and shows Can inhibit growth of nearby plants due to allelopathic properties, making it a flexible choice for various Ground cover, wildflower gardens.

the Edible Parts: Some parts reportedly used in herbal remedies (caution advised). Toxicty of Yellow Star-Thistle, Toxic to horses, can cause neurological issues if ingested. learning about its Flowers can be harvested for herbal use, N/A (not commonly consumed), and N/A can be intriguing for culinary explorers. Some traditions highlight its Historically used for various herbal remedies, but caution is advised or note its Considered an invasive species in some areas.

With an Not evaluated, but considered invasive in certain regions, proper Control measures in areas where it is invasive