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fountain thistle
Scientific Name: Cirsium fontinale var. fontinale
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: CA (fountain thistle)
Fountain Thistle (Cirsium fontinale)
The Fountain Thistle, scientifically known as Cirsium fontinale, is a flowering perennial herb belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It's also known as the Chorro Creek bog thistle, especially the Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense variety.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cirsium fontinale (Greene) Jeps.
- Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
- Genus: Cirsium
- Varieties:
- Cirsium fontinale var. fontinale (crystal springs fountain thistle)
- Cirsium fontinale var. campylon (Mount Hamilton Fountain Thistle)
- Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense (San Luis Obispo fountain thistle, Chorro Creek bog thistle)
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions the plant has spine-tipped leaves.
- The plant is also considered one of the prickliest of its species.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions the plant has spine-tipped leaves.
- The plant is also considered one of the prickliest of its species.
Distribution and Habitat
This thistle is endemic to California and is often found near serpentine seeps and springs.
Ecological Role
The Fountain Thistle is an endangered species, and its recovery is a conservation priority. It has been cited as being directly threatened by other invasive species in California.
Morphological Characteristics
- Herbaceous perennial with stout, erect, reddish stems.
- Large white to pinkish, nodding flowering heads.
- Large, gray-green, spine-tipped leaves at the base.