Milk thistle (Cirsium rhizome)

Cirsium altissimum

Cirsium altissimum is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, primarily native to North America. Below are the plant's growth characteristics, propagation methods, cultivation methods, garden uses, and major pests and diseases, as well as control methods.

Growth Characteristics
- Height: It typically grows to about 1 to 2 meters, characterized by its tall stature.
- Leaves: The leaves are pointed with serrated edges.
- Flowers: Purple flowers bloom between July and September, typically measuring 2.5 to 5 cm in size.
- Environment: It prefers sunny locations and thrives in well-drained soil.

Propagation Methods
- Seed Propagation: It can be propagated by seeds. It is recommended to sow seeds in spring or autumn.
- Root Division: Mature plants can be propagated by root division.

Cultivation Methods
- Planting: Seeds can be sown directly or planted after growing seedlings. It thrives in well-drained soil and an environment with ample sunlight.
- Watering: Avoid overwatering; water thoroughly whenever the soil is dry.
- Fertilizer: Apply an appropriate amount of fertilizer during the growing season.

Uses in the Garden
- Milk Thistle (Cirsium altissimum) grows tall and has beautiful flowers, making it suitable as a focal point in the garden.
- It is useful for creating ecological gardens or natural landscapes.

Important Pests and Control Methods
- Diseases: It is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but fungal diseases may occur in some cases.
- Pests: Pests such as ladybugs and aphids may occur.
- Control Methods: It is recommended to use organic insecticides or remove pests manually during the morning or evening when pests are less prevalent. Additionally, proper care can minimize the occurrence of pests and diseases.

Caution: This plant is often treated as an invasive weed, so care is required for propagation and management.

Plant Family	Asteraceae
Height	90~210cm
Spread	30~60cm
Colors	pink
Bloom Period	July~August
Water Needs	commonly
Exposure	Sunny
Freezing Resistance	-30°C

Canadian thistle
Cirsium arvense

Thistle 'Atropurpureum'
Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'