Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Fringed Thistle, Rocky Mountain Fringed Thistle
  • Synonyms: Cirsium centaureae, Cirsium clavatum var americanum
  • Family: Asteraceae (Aster)
  • Genus Information:

Habit and Size

  • Duration: biennial or perennial
  • Habit: forb
  • Shape: column
  • Size: up in 3 feet
  • Stem: smooth

Leaves

  • Color: green
  • Shape: deeply lobed
  • Edge: thin spines
  • Arrangement: alternate, basal
  • Leaf Retention:

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: white
  • Flower Size:
  • Number of Petals: many
  • Bloom: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
  • Fruit: cypsela, achene

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: well drained
  • Habitat: montane, subalpine environments, including woodlands and openings

Distribution

  • Distribution: CO, UT, WY
  • Seen: UT
  • Elevation: 4,800 and 8,500 feet

Photographs

Fringed Thistle (Cirsium clavatum var americanum)

UT

Fringed Thistle (Cirsium clavatum var americanum)

UT

Fringed Thistle (Cirsium clavatum var americanum)

UT