Asteraceae

Cirsium scariosum

Elk Thistle

Erect. Stems often very short, fleshy, ridged, hairless to hairy with soft or coarse hairs. Basal leaves oblong, entire or deeply lobed, hairless or with few matted hairs above, thick white matted hairs below, petioles often spiny; stem leaves few to none. Flower heads dense, sessile, in basal leaf rosette or clustered at stem tops. Flowers are white or purple tubes with lobes almost as long. Grows in moist places, meadows, at mid- to high elevations. Dwarf and taller plants sometimes grow together.

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Flowering Time: Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Biennial, Perennial
• Height: 5--40 inches
• Habitat: Meadow
• Found In: Steens
• Native: Yes