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yellowspine thistle
Scientific Name: Cirsium ochrocentrum
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Biennial, Perennial
Other Names:
Yellowspine Thistle (Cirsium ochrocentrum)
Cirsium ochrocentrum, commonly known as Yellowspine Thistle, is a native thistle species found in specific regions of the United States.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant possesses long spines on its involucral bracts and leaves, potentially posing a physical hazard.
Considerations for Children
- This plant possesses long spines on its involucral bracts and leaves, potentially posing a physical hazard.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cirsium ochrocentrum A. Gray
- Common Name: Yellowspine Thistle, Yellow-spine Thistle
- Family: Asteraceae (Aster or Sunflower Family)
- Synonym: The provided text lists "Synonym:" but does not specify the synonym.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Great Plains of the Central United States.
- Found in Arizona and New Mexico.
- Observed in locations such as Goodwell and Texhoma, Oklahoma, specifically in pasture and roadside environments.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Biennial or perennial with tuberous creeping roots.
- Stems can reach 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 feet tall.
- Stems can be simple or branched, covered in dense, short, white wooly hairs.
- Long, yellowish spines are present on leaves, which range from 3 to 8 inches in length.
- Leaves grow close to the stem with densely hairy white undersides.
Quirky Facts
- The flower head, when viewed from above, can resemble a lavender starburst or snowflake.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Provides seeds for goldfinches.
Ecological Role
- Listed in "Invasive Species Most Unwanted," indicating potential invasive tendencies in certain environments.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cirsium ochrocentrum.
- CalPhotos Photo Database contains images of Cirsium ochrocentrum, including details about the photographers and collections.
- Images and information can be found at the University of California - Davis (Joseph M. DiTomaso), USDA APHIS PPQ (Julia Scher), and by photographers such as Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte.