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Nuttall's thistle

Scientific Name: Cirsium nuttallii

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Nuttall's Thistle (Cirsium nuttallii)

Cirsium nuttallii, commonly known as Nuttall's thistle, is a North American plant species belonging to the thistle tribe within the sunflower family (Asteraceae).

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is described as "spiny (OUCH)" suggesting it may have sharp features that could cause minor injuries.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is described as "spiny (OUCH)" suggesting it may have sharp features that could cause minor injuries.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cirsium nuttallii DC.
  • Common Name: Nuttall's thistle
  • Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Carduus nuttallii (DC.) Pollard
    • Carduus glaber Nuttall

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to coastal North America.
  • Found in moist habitats and wetlands.
  • Specifically mentioned as being found in Florida, including areas like the Hal Scott Regional Preserve (East Orange County), Sanibel Island, and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (Gainesville).

Morphological Characteristics

  • Grows quite tall, sometimes reaching five or six feet.
  • Has a single stalk that provides much of its height.
  • Described as slender.
  • Lobed leaves have small spines along them.

Ecological Role

  • The flower bud is a characteristic wildflower of late spring.
  • Important for pollinators.
  • Of great benefit to wildlife.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Attracts Giant Swallowtail Butterflies.
  • Red-tailed Hawks and Nuttall's Woodpeckers have been observed in the same habitat.

Additional Information

  • More slender and taller than the purple thistle (Cirsium horridulum).
  • The species name nuttallii likely honors a person named Nuttall.

Resources

  • Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cirsium nuttallii.
  • Brent Sellers can be contacted for further information at (863) 735-1314.