WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Scattered through most of the UK but mainly England especially around Cambridge and Kent It is classed as nationally rare. Habitat includes: Well-drained, sandy, gravelly, light chalk soils in places such as wasteland, track-sides, dry grassland, banks, roadside verges, railway banks etc. Other names include: Purple Star-thistle. Growing habit: Annual / Biennial. Height: Up to 1.3 m. Flowers: July to September. Native of the Mediterranean region. It is in decline and is on the Priority Species by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. It is identified as 'vulnerable' by the UNIC and is listed as Nationally Rare in the UK Red Data Book.