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Steen Mountain thistle

Scientific Name: Cirsium peckii

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Steens Mountain Thistle (Cirsium peckii)

The Steens Mountain Thistle, scientifically known as Cirsium peckii, is a unique plant found in a specific region of the United States. It is also known as Peck's Thistle and Steen's Mountain Thistle.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a thistle, it may have spines or prickles that could pose a risk to pets that brush against or attempt to ingest it.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cirsium peckii L.F. Hend.
  • Common Names: Steens Mountain Thistle, Peck's Thistle, Steen's Mountain Thistle, Ghost Thistle
  • Family: Asteraceae (Aster or Sunflower Family)
  • Synonym: Cirsium eatonii var. peckii (L.F. Hend.) D.J. Keil
  • USDA Symbol: CIPE4

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Steens Mountain Thistle is endemic to Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon, specifically in Harney County.
  • It is often found at high elevations, around 7000-9600 feet.
  • The plant grows in the Mountain Big Sagebrush Zone.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is described as a forb/herb, a non-woody plant.
  • The stem is erect, single, and unbranched, covered with long straight hairs.
  • Leaves are lance-shaped, mostly hairless or with a few hairs on the midrib.

Quirky Facts

  • The Steens Mountain Thistle grows only on Steens Mountain.

Further Information

  • Discover Life hosts a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cirsium peckii.
  • Eric Coombs at the Oregon Department of Agriculture has photographed this species.
  • Additional information may be available from the Oregon Flora Project.