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sandhill thistle

Scientific Name: Cirsium repandum

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cirsium repandum - Sandhill Thistle

Cirsium repandum, commonly known as Sandhill Thistle, is a fascinating plant belonging to the thistle tribe.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Thistles, in general, are known for having thorns or spines.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cirsium repandum Michx.
  • Common Names: Sandhill Thistle
  • Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
  • Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cirsium repandum is a North American species.
  • It is found in dry, sandy habitats, particularly in the sandhills region, such as in Scotland County, North Carolina, USA.
  • It can also be found in dry oak-hickory forests or dry pine-oak woodlands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cirsium repandum is a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • It is a perennial plant.
  • It can grow to a height of 140 to 300 feet (Note: this is likely a typo, as that would be an extreme height for this species).

Ecological Role

  • Some thistles, like the Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense), are considered invasive in certain ecoregions.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The plant is subject to pollination and herbivory. Pollinator activity affects floral fragrance.
  • The digestive tracts of greater sandhill cranes have been found to contain elk thistle.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cirsium repandum.