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Suisun thistle

Scientific Name: Cirsium hydrophilum

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Biennial, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Suisun Thistle (Cirsium hydrophilum)

The Suisun thistle, scientifically known as Cirsium hydrophilum, is a rare and endangered plant species found exclusively in California.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a thistle, Cirsium hydrophilum likely has spines or prickles.

Considerations for Children

  • As a thistle, Cirsium hydrophilum likely has spines or prickles.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Cirsium hydrophilum (Greene) Jeps.
  • Common Name: Suisun Thistle
  • Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Variety (Cirsium hydrophilum var. hydrophilum)
  • Synonyms: Cirsium hydrophilum (E. Greene) Jepson var. hydrophilum
  • Note: The provided text refers to both the species (Cirsium hydrophilum) and the variety (Cirsium hydrophilum var. hydrophilum), both commonly called Suisun thistle.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Suisun thistle is endemic to California, specifically the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
  • It grows in tidal marshes, particularly in the Suisun Marsh.

Conservation Status

  • The Suisun thistle is listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
  • It is also classified as endangered in California.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The Suisun thistle grows 1 to 2 meters tall (approximately 3 to 6 feet).
  • The Suisun thistle is pink.

Ecology

  • The Suisun thistle is a rare native perennial.
  • Butterflies, such as the pipevine swallowtail, are attracted to its purple flowers.
  • Research is being conducted to understand why this species is rare, including investigating the potential impact of invasive species.

Additional Information

  • The Suisun Marsh, where this thistle grows, is part of the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary ecosystem.
  • Rush Ranch supports a core population of the Suisun thistle.

Further Resources

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • CalPhotos
  • California Native Plant Society (CNPS)
  • CDFW BIOS GIS Dataset
  • Discover Life