Silybum marianum

Blessed Thistle, Holy Thistle, Milk Thistle, St. Mary's Thistle

Family: Asteraceae Aster


Type Annual, bi-annual
USDA Hardiness range n/a
Exposure Full sun
Bloom color Purple
Bloom time Early Summer
Water needs Dry to moist
Landscape uses Massing, specimen
Height 24" to 4' / 60cm to 1.20m
Spread 18" to 24" / 45cm to 60cm
Growth rate Moderate
Persistence Deciduous, broadleaf
Bloom attributes Attracts butterflies, fragrant flowers
Leaf color Green, variegated, yellow
Fruit color n/a
Soil pH requirements Neutral
Soil type Sandy, loamy
Form Upright or erect
Attributes and features Attracts birds, attractive foilage, invasive, naturalizing