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Tracy's thistle
Scientific Name: Cirsium undulatum var. tracyi
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Biennial, Perennial
Other Names:
Tracy's Thistle (Cirsium undulatum var. tracyi)
Tracy's Thistle, scientifically known as Cirsium undulatum var. tracyi (Rydb.) S.L. Welsh, is a perennial plant that has unfortunately been mistaken for a noxious weed by some.
The common name, Tracy's Thistle, is derived from Samuel Tracy, who, along with Charles Baker, first collected the plant for scientific study.
Other common names include Wavyleaf Thistle.
Note: There is some variance as some data shows the scientific name to be *Cirsium tracyi*.
Considerations for Pets
- Thistles, in general, are known to have spiny leaves.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cirsium undulatum var. tracyi (Rydb.) S.L. Welsh
- Synonyms: Cirsium tracyi
- Family: Compositae
Distribution and Habitat
- Observed in the Gunnison National Forest near Almont, Colorado.
- Native thistle species in Colorado.
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft).
- The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs).
Ecological Role
- The Canada thistle bud weevil (Larinus planus), introduced as a biocontrol agent for creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), has been observed feeding on Tracy's thistle.
Pollination
- Pollinated by Bees and flies.
Quirky Facts
- The genus name "Cirsium" is derived from the Greek word for "dilated vein," stemming from an old belief that a thistle distillate could treat this condition.
External Resources
- Mentioned on invasive.org