SafePlants

Cirsium scariosum: Meadow Thistle, Elk Thistle, or Dwarf Thistle

Cirsium scariosum, commonly known as meadow thistle, elk thistle, or dwarf thistle, is a fascinating plant species native to western North America.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cirsium scariosum
• Synonyms: Cirsium tioganum, Cirsium drummondii, Cirsium foliosum. Cirsium foliosum var. minganense.
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
• Group: Dicot

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to much of western North America.
• Prefers meadows and other moist soils.
• Found from foothills to mountain and subalpine zones.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial plant.
• Height: Typically grows to 12-30 inches tall, but some sources mention it can reach over three feet.
• Erect stems, often very short, fleshy, ridged, hairless to hairy with soft or coarse hairs.
• Basal leaves are oblong, entire or deeply lobed, hairless or with varying degrees of hairiness.
• Flowering from July to August, with seeds ripening from August to September.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions spines, suggesting caution around pets that might brush against the plant.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions spines, suggesting caution around children that might brush against the plant.

Quirky Facts

• The Elk Thistle often glows in the sunlight reflected off its abundant silvery hairs and spines.
• Native Americans consumed the Elk Thistle root raw or baked.

Ecological Role

• This plant is a common species in open meadows.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Bumble bees, possibly B. balteatus or B. frigidus, have been observed on Cirsium foliosum.