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desert thistle
Scientific Name: Cirsium aridum
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Desert Thistle (Cirsium neomexicanum)
The plant commonly known as Desert Thistle is scientifically classified as Cirsium neomexicanum. It is also known by the common names New Mexico thistle, powderpuff thistle, lavender thistle, and foss thistle.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cirsium neomexicanum A. Gray
- Family: Asteraceae (implied, based on being a Cirsium species)
Distribution and Habitat
This thistle is native to the southwestern United States, particularly the Mojave Desert. It has also been observed in Nevada (Pine Creek area of Red Rocks) and New Mexico (Albuquerque).
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- It is described as a tall plant, routinely exceeding 2 meters in height.
- It erects a stem and has soft white flowers.
- One related species, Blepharis pruinosa, also referred to as Desert Thistle, can grow up to 1 meter high and has long spikes. The spikes provide protection from predators, as do the densely packed flowers.