Cirsium texanum, commonly known as Texas thistle or Texas purple thistle, is a biennial or perennial herb. It is native to prairies, grasslands, and open areas in the south-central United States, particularly in Texas, Oklahoma, eastern New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Missouri, as well as northern Mexico. This species typically grows up to 31 inches tall and features a rosette of leaves with small, narrow spines along the edges. The Texas thistle blooms from April to July, producing striking purple to pink flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Texas thistle is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a suitable choice for naturalistic plantings and restoration projects. It is often used to attract and support wildlife, particularly pollinators. In cultivation, it prefers full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it is not typically grown in formal garden settings due to its spiny foliage, it can be an interesting addition to wildflower meadows or native plant gardens. Gardeners should be aware that it can self-seed prolifically and may require management to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0