Natural landscapes including meadows and butterfly gardens. , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray. , Considertions, Purple thistle is a thorny plant - be very careful when handling. , Wildlife, The seeds are rich in oil, an important food source for seed-eating birds. , Habitat, Coastal plain, edges of salt marshes, pinewoods, prairies and disturbed areas. , Did You Know?, Showy flowers, Interesting foliage, Thorns Larval host to little metalmark (Calephelis virginiensis) and painted lady (Vanessa cardui) butterflies. N

Bloom can be long lasting relative to other early spring blooming trees -- as long as a month. Duration is dependent on temperature. Flowers grow dire , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray , Considertions, At the extreme south end of its range, it may not bloom well. The wood is weak and is likely to break off during a high wind event unless grouped with , Habitat, Upland hardwood forests. Bluffs, hammocks, secondary woods. , Did You Know?, Showy flowers, Interesting foliage Larval host for Henry's elfin (Callophrys henrici) and io moth (Automeris io). Popular with bees including bumbleb

The Florida Wildflower Foundation has a good pamphlet that includes culture of this species. Gray-green, fine foliage, border plant or individual spe , Tolerance, Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray. , Habitat, Scrub, sandhill. , Did You Know?, Aroma, fragrance, Showy flowers Attracts many pollinators, especially bees (https://hawthornhillwildflowers.blogspot.com/).