Top native thistles and allies
4 species, native to the US, ranked by caterpillars, then bees and other hosts, food, flowers and shelter.
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Bristle Thistle
Cirsium horridulum
caterpillars
25
bees
10
hosts
1
food
14
flowers
164
-
Field Thistle
Cirsium discolor
caterpillars
22
bees
9
hosts
1
food
17
flowers
148
-
Swamp Thistle
Cirsium muticum
caterpillars
22
bees
9
hosts
1
food
13
flowers
113
-
Tall Thistle
Cirsium altissimum
caterpillars
21
bees
10
hosts
1
food
15
flowers
139