Cirsium Proteanum

[Anonymous]

Hello All!

In a recent perusal of Las Pilatas Nursery's plant list, I came upon this hummingbird/butterfly plant that really caught my eye.

One problem: I can find little about it; there is even little on their website. Has anyone had anysuccess with it as an attractant/food source fortheir gardens? Does it reseed? Please enlighten me!

All responses will be gratefully received.

Many thanks for taking the time to respond!

AlainUSDA-9BSunset #19</p>

[Anonymous]

Alain,I do not find Cirsium proteanum in either Hortus three or Munz. Perhaps its a new name and is in Jepson but I don't have that with me. My advice is to go back to the source. Call up Bert at the nursery and ask him.Then let us know!Best-Dan</p>

[Anonymous]

Alain -

Are you the same person that posted a question about Cirsium proteanum on the Calypteanna listserve? There were several good replies there including mine. For the benefit of other readers, here's some info:

Cirsium proteanum is one of the taxonomically muddled group of cobweb thistles, C. occidentale, C. venustum, etc.. They are gorgeous plants with fuzzy white leaves and cherry red flowers. They are usually found somewhat inland from the immediate coast, and are not invasive. They are good hummingbird plants, though there are better flowers for hummers. The flowers of cobweb thistles also attract butterflies as well as other interesting insects. The seeds are good for songbirds be sure to save some to replant, as these thistles tend to be biennial.

Find out which cobweb thistle is native to your area and grow it! They are stunning garden subjects and ought to be grown more.

Cheers,

Lori</p>

[Anonymous]

Hi Lori,

Yes, that was me. I did read the replies to my question and appreciate the responses there, just as much as I do those I receive here! I like notonly to have diversity in my hummingbird/butterflygardens but somethung unique as well. The photoof the Cirsium caught my eye, filled a niche andwill grow in Sunset # 19.

So again, many thanks for the in depth responses!

Alain</p>