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Small globe thistle is a clump forming herbaceous perennial with coarse, prickly leaves to 8 in (20.3 cm) long, and rigid, usually branched, flowering stems 2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m) tall. The leaves are stiff and deeply dissected into spine tipped lobes, gray-green, patterned with cobweb like markings on top, and densely white-wooly beneath. The basal leaves are much larger than the stem leaves. The spherical flowerheads are 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm) in diameter, silvery blue at first and maturing to bright blue. Within the flowerhead, the tiny tubular flowers are each surrounded by bristly silverish bracts that extend beyond the actual flowers, giving the head a spiny texture. The flower stems branch 2-6 times and each branch bears a single flowerhead. There are several species of globe thistles available in the horticultural trade; most are larger than small globe thistle, but pretty similar otherwise. 'Taplow Blue' has metallic blue flowers on vigorous 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m) stems. 'Veitch's Blue' blooms repeatedly with vivid dark blue flowers on 2 ft (0.6 m) stems.
Location
Culture
Usage The globe thistles are bold and rewarding perennials for herbaceous borders. Small globe thistle is especially useful in smaller gardens and in mixed flower plantings. The basal leaves tend to deteriorate, so conceal them with smaller plants that allow the colorful flowerheads to stand above. Globe thistle is valued for dried arrangements, but the flowerheads must be cut just before the tiny flowers are fully open. Dry quickly upside-down in a warm, airy environment, and they will retain their blue color. The repeat-blooming 'Veitch's Blue' is especially desirable for the cut flower garden. Bumblebees, moths and butterflies find the flowers irresistible.
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Steve Christman 9/16/00; updated 10/31/03
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