Cirsium nipponicum, commonly known as Japanese Thistle, is a perennial herb native to the grasslands, meadows, and disturbed areas of East Asia, including Japan and Korea. It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) and features spiny, deeply lobed leaves and erect stems. The plant is notable for its attractive, fluffy pink flowers that bloom in the summer and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Japanese Thistle is appreciated for its ornamental flowers and is used in wildflower gardens and naturalistic plantings. It is also considered for its potential in ecological restoration projects. However, gardeners should be cautious as it can be potentially invasive outside its native range. It thrives in full sun and adapts well to medium draining clay or loam soils. Regular watering is needed to keep the plant healthy, but it can tolerate some drought once established. There are no major disease problems, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0