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Sacramento Mountain thistle

Scientific Name: Cirsium vinaceum

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NM (Sacramento Mountains thistle)

       

Sacramento Mountains Thistle (Cirsium vinaceum)

The Sacramento Mountains thistle, scientifically known as Cirsium vinaceum, is a rare and fascinating plant. Read on to learn more about this unique species.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a thistle, Cirsium vinaceum likely possesses prickly or spiny features common to the Cirsium genus.

Considerations for Children

  • As a thistle, Cirsium vinaceum likely possesses prickly or spiny features common to the Cirsium genus.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Cirsium vinaceum Wooton & Standl.
  • Common Name: Sacramento Mountains thistle
  • Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Sacramento Mountain thistle, Sacramento Mountains Thistle

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to Otero County, New Mexico, specifically in the Sacramento Mountains.
  • Grows in wet areas, often near mineral deposits around mountain springs.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A perennial herb that can grow up to six feet tall.
  • Characterized by a robust basal rosette stem.
  • Stout rhizomatous biennial.
  • Features purple flowers.

Ecological Role

  • Subject to biocontrol efforts using insects, highlighting its potential to be considered "troublesome" by landowners and land managers.
  • Mentioned as a native thistle.

Conservation Status

  • Listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
  • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has considered but rejected a petition to remove it from the list of federally threatened species.

Further Information

  • Recovery Plan available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Information available from the New Mexico Rare Plant Technical Council (NMRPTC).