SafePlants

Mountain Thistle

The term "Mountain Thistle" encompasses a variety of thistle species found in mountainous regions. The text refers to both the common name "Mountain Thistle" and specific Cirsium species such as Cirsium scopulorum, Cirsium vinaceum (Sacramento Mountains thistle), Cirsium perplexans (Rocky Mountain thistle and Adobe Hills thistle), and Cirsium eatonii (Eaton's thistle or mountaintop thistle). The text also mentions Carduus defloratus as an Alpine Mountain Thistle, and Acanthus montanus is mentioned as a Mountain Thistle.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• The text refers to several members of the genus Cirsium (family Asteraceae).
• Synonyms or related species mentioned include:
  • Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle, common thistle, or spear thistle)
  • Cirsium eatonii var. clokeyi (Clokey thistle, Spring Mountains thistle)
  • Cirsium arizonicum var. tenuisectum (Desert Mountain Thistle)
  • Carduus defloratus (Alpine Mountain Thistle)
  • Acanthus montanus (Also referred to as Bear's Breech)

Considerations for Pets

• Several species of thistle mentioned have sharp points or thorns which could be a physical hazard.

Considerations for Children

• Several species of thistle mentioned have sharp points or thorns which could be a physical hazard.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native thistles are found in Colorado.
• Cirsium vinaceum is endemic to Otero County, New Mexico, specifically the Sacramento Mountains.
• Cirsium perplexans is endemic to California (Adobe Hills thistle).
• Cirsium eatonii can be found at high elevations such as Albion Basin.
• Cirsium scopulorum is found in mountainous habitats.
• Carduus defloratus is found in the Alps.

Ecological Role

• Cirsium vulgare (bull thistle, common thistle, or spear thistle) is listed as a noxious weed.
• Thistles in general are noted as being troublesome for landowners and land managers.
• A biocontrol insect was released in 1969 for musk thistle.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cirsium vinaceum (Sacramento Mountains thistle) is a rare purple flower that can grow to be six feet tall.
• The mountain thistle, which is related to bear’s breech, can get quite large, 6 to 8 feet tall with a similar spread.
• Cirsium peckii (Steens Mountain Thistle) has an erect, single, unbranched stem with long straight hairs.

Quirky Facts

• Thistles were historically considered a remedy for swollen veins.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• A biocontrol insect was released in 1969 to control musk thistle, but it is also known to feed on native Sacramento Mountains Thistle (Cirsium vinaceum).

Further Information

• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for garden tips and ideas.
• ResearchGate is mentioned as a professional network for scientists.