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prairie thistle
Scientific Name: Cirsium canescens
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Biennial
Other Names:
Cirsium vulgare and Other Thistles
This page explores various thistles, focusing on their characteristics, distribution, and interactions with the environment. Several species are mentioned, including Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle, common thistle, or spear thistle), Cirsium canescens (prairie thistle), Cirsium neomexicanum (New Mexico thistle, powderpuff thistle, lavender thistle, foss thistle), and Cirsium discolor (Field Thistle), which is also sometimes referred to as "Prairie Thistle". Other thistles mentioned include wavyleaf thistle, yellowspine thistle, Canada thistle, musk or nodding thistle, Scotch thistle and Platte thistle. Tall Thistle is also mentioned (Cirsium altissimum).
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions thistles generally, and the bull thistle specifically, as having the common name of "spear thistle".
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cirsium vulgare
- Common Names: bull thistle, common thistle, spear thistle
- Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)
- Synonyms: The text also refers to Cirsium canescens Nutt. and Carduus undulatus var. canescens as prairie thistle.
Distribution and Habitat
- Cirsium vulgare is described as a noxious weed.
- Cirsium canescens (Prairie Thistle) is found in prairies and disturbed areas, including degraded prairies, but also occurs in higher quality habitats. It's native to Colorado.
- Cirsium neomexicanum is a North American species.
- Cirsium discolor (Field Thistle) is native to the region.
- Cirsium altissimum (Tall Thistle) is celebrated at Homestead National Monument.
Ecological Role
- The text notes that native thistles benefit many different pollinators.
- Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle) is considered a noxious weed, suggesting it can be invasive and detrimental to certain ecosystems.
Morphological Characteristics
- Pasture Thistle is short-lived, but reseeds itself readily.
- Cirsium canescens (Prairie thistle) has leaves that are white and velvety beneath and grayish above.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Prairie Thistles are mentioned as a place to find Tortoiseshell butterflies.
Quirky Facts
- The name "Ciros" (part of Cirsium) is said to come from a word meaning "swollen vein" because thistles were once considered a remedy for this condition.
- Every farmer has a deep seated hatred of thistles, and we don't want people thinking prairies are just 'weed patches'
Resources and Further Information
- Montana Field Guide is referenced as a resource for species information and photo submissions.
- Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cirsium canescens.