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cobwebby thistle

Scientific Name: Cirsium occidentale var. occidentale

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Biennial

Other Names:

       

Cirsium occidentale: Cobwebby Thistle

Cirsium occidentale, commonly known as cobweb thistle or cobwebby thistle, is a North American species of thistle belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae).

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is a thistle and thus may have spiny features.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is a thistle and thus may have spiny features.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cirsium occidentale (Nutt.) Jeps.
  • Common Names: Cobweb thistle, Cobwebby thistle, Snowy thistle, Venus thistle, California Thistle, Bigelow’s Thistle, Western thistle
  • Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
  • Genus: Cirsium

Subspecies and Varieties:

  • Cirsium occidentale var. californicum (A. Gray) Keil & C. Turner
  • Cirsium occidentale var. compactum
  • Cirsium occidentale var. venustum
  • Cirsium occidentale ssp. occidentale

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to North America, specifically California.
  • Found throughout California deserts, mountains, and valleys.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is a perennial herb.
  • It grows to a height of about 1 meter (3ft 3in).
  • Described as a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
  • Tall, stout, and leafy biennial growing from 2' to 5' tall.
  • The involucres are large, globose, to 2" in diameter, and densely cobwebby.
  • Flowers can be purple or sometimes red.
  • Stems and leaves can be grayish.

Ecological Role

  • It can be considered a troublesome weed in some contexts.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Observed to interact with nectar-drinking pollinators.
  • Brush rabbits appear to frequent areas where this thistle grows.

Additional Information

  • Hardy to zone (UK) 9.
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs).