SafePlants

Thistle Varieties: An Overview

This page provides information on several thistle species, with a focus on Cloudcroft Thistle and related species.

Considerations for Pets

• Some thistles, such as the bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), have thorns or sharp edges.

Considerations for Children

• Some thistles, such as the bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), have thorns or sharp edges.

Scientific and Common Names

• Cirsium vulgare: Bull thistle, common thistle, or spear thistle
• Cirsium inornatum: Cloudcroft Thistle
• Cirsium japonicum: Japanese Thistle
• Cirsium vinaceum: Sacramento Mountains Thistle

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Cirsium
• Family: Aster Family (as indicated in reference to Cirsium vinaceum)
• Synonyms: Carduus gilensis (synonym for Cirsium parryi)
• Note: Cirsium parryi is listed as a synonym for Cloudcroft thistle (Cirsium inornatum).

Distribution and Habitat

• Cloudcroft Thistle (Cirsium inornatum) is found in the Sacramento Mountains near Cloudcroft, New Mexico.
• Sacramento Mountains Thistle (Cirsium vinaceum) is found in the Sacramento Mountains near Cloudcroft, New Mexico.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Cloudcroft Thistle (Cirsium inornatum) is described as a forb/herb, a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• Some thistles have effusive flower heads, usually purple, rose, pink, yellow, or white.
• The Sacramento Mountains Thistle can grow to be six feet tall.
• Cloudcroft Thistle appears white in summer.

Ecological Role

• Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle) is listed as a noxious weed.

Quirky Facts

• The town of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, hosts The Purple Thistle Day Spa.
• Thistles are known for having feathered hairs on their achenes, which distinguishes them from other genera like Carduus, Silybum, and Onopordon.