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Gila thistle
Scientific Name: Cirsium gilense
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cirsium gilense: Gila Thistle
The Cirsium gilense, commonly known as Gila thistle, is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass) of the genus Cirsium.
Considerations for Pets
- Thistles in general, including the Gila thistle, are known for being prickly.
Considerations for Children
- Thistles in general, including the Gila thistle, are known for being prickly.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cirsium gilense Wooton & Standl.
- Common Names: Gila thistle, Parry's thistle, Pale thistle, Cloudcroft thistle, Mogollon thistle
- Family: Asteraceae
- Synonyms: Several other Cirsium species are mentioned, implying a close relationship and potential for confusion.
Distribution and Habitat
- Found in the Gila River region of Arizona and New Mexico.
- Specific locations include the Gila National Forest and Catron County, New Mexico.
- Prefers moist mountain meadows in coniferous forests.
Ecological Role
- The text mentions other thistles as being invasive, indicating the potential for Cirsium gilense to also be considered weedy in certain contexts.
Morphological Characteristics
- Biennial stems can reach up to 2 meters in height.
- Sparingly branched.
- Hairy leaves are about 40 cm long and pointed.
- Thistles are known for their effusive flower heads, usually purple, rose or pink, also yellow or white.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Black Chinned Hummingbirds are known to take nectar from thistle flowers.
Additional Information
- Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cirsium gilense.
- The New Mexico Rare Plant Technical Council (NMRPTC) provides an online fact sheet with species information and distribution.