Melancholy thistle (Cirsium heterophyllum, Hort. Kew.: 64)

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) Hill

Bibliography: Hort. Kew.: 64

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cirsium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Greenland, Europe to Siberia and Caucasus

Description

Melancholy thistle, scientifically named Cirsium heterophyllum, is a striking perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This thistle exhibits a distinctive charm, marked by its vibrant inflorescence, which adds a splash of color to the landscapes it inhabits.

Growing natively in regions stretching from Greenland, through Europe, to Siberia and the Caucasus, melancholy thistle thrives in these diverse climates, adapting well to various terrains. Its presence across such a wide geographical range underscores its resilience and adaptability.

One of the most notable features of melancholy thistle is its large, solitary flower heads, which typically bloom in a vivid purple hue. These blossoms stand out against the backdrop of its green, somewhat spiny foliage. Unlike many other thistles, Cirsium heterophyllum is characterized by a less aggressive spread and a more benign appearance, making it a fine addition to horticultural settings.

The plant’s historical background and botanical characteristics have been well-documented since its earlier classifications, providing valuable insights into its growth patterns and ecological significance. The melancholy thistle not only contributes aesthetically to its surroundings but also plays a role in supporting local wildlife, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Gardeners and plant enthusiasts appreciate this species for its ornamental value and its ability to thrive without requiring extensive care. Its perennial nature ensures that it can be a long-lasting component of any floral arrangement or garden design, offering both beauty and sustainability.

In summary, Cirsium heterophyllum stands out as a unique and charming plant within the thistle family, offering both ecological benefits and ornamental appeal. As referenced in “Hort. Kew.: 64,” this species continues to capture the interest of botanists and gardeners alike, affirming its prized status in the diverse flora of its native regions.

Common Names

Dan: forskelligbladet tidsel
Eng: melancholy thistle
Deu: verschiedenblättrige kratzdistel
Nor: bjønsturt, hvidblad, hvide-side, reen-tistel, ulve-liin
Swe: borsttistel, huopaohdake, brudborste
Fin: huopaohdake
Nob: hvitbladtistel
Nno: kvitbladtistel
Sme: alitdiehpperássi, bajanrássi, biššanrássi, lávkerássi, čuvgesboallorássi
Cym: ysgall mwyth, ysgallen fwyth
En: Melancholy thistle
Be: Бадзяк разналісты
Zh: 堆心蓟
Cs: Pcháč různolistý
Da: Forskelligbladet Tidsel
Nl: Sombere vederdistel, Ongelijkbladige Distel
Et: Villohakas
Fi: Huopaohdake
Fr: Cirse à feuilles variables, Cirse fausse hélénie, Cirse faux hélénium
De: Verschiedenblättrige Kratzdistel
It: Cardo tagliente
Lt: Įvairialapė usnis
Se: Alitdiehpperássi, Bajanrássi, Biššanrássi, Lávkerássi, Čuvgesboallorássi
No: Kvitbladtistel, Bjønsturt, Hvidblad, Hvide-side, Reen-tistel, Ulve-liin
Nb: Hvitbladtistel
Nn: Kvitbladtistel
Pl: Ostrożeń dwubarwny
Ru: Бодяк разнолистный
Sv: Brudborste, Borsttistel, Huopaohdake
Uk: Осот різнолистий
Cy: Ysgallen fwyth, Ysgall Mwyth

Synonyms

• Cirsium × carolorum (C.Jenner ex Nyman)
• Cirsium helenioides (All.)
• Cirsium heterophyllum var. obskiense (Lomon.)
• Cynara diversifolia (Stokes)
• Cnicus ambiguus (Loisel.)
• Cirsium heterophyllum var. diversifolium (Wimm.)
• Cirsium heterophyllum var. incisum (DC.)
• Cirsium heterophyllum var. integrifolium (Wimm.)
• Carduus helenifolius (Salisb.)
• Cirsium mielichhoferi (Saut.)
• Carduus heterophyllus (L.)
• Carduus polymorphus (Lapeyr.)
• Carduus ambiguus (Pers.)
• Cnicus heterophyllus ((L.) Retz.)

Distribution

• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Chita (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Iceland (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2020 by del Pozo Juan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2008 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2020 by JBSK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2020 by Silje (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2020 by Robin Eddi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Marek Hrdina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Marek Hrdina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Marek Hrdina (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Pierre GUDEL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2020 by Paola OSTI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 22, 2015 by Mathias Chouet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2022 by Margot Delrieu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Valentina Jalšovec (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:195465-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3113745)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cirsium heterophyllum (L.) Hill)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 7