XCirsium scopulorum - Alpine ThistleX
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Alpine Thistle -or- Frosty Ball -or- Wolly Thistle -or- Mountain Thistle (Cirsium scopulorum), family Asteraceae (Aster)
What dramatic looking flowers these are! They seem to be fiercely protected by their thorny edged leaves, while the 'flower' is cushioned by a downy mass of fine hair. We have Sighted many examples of these plants at higher elevations such as Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountain National Park as well as on Mt. Evans. While many if not most thistle's are considered weeds they too have a place in Mother Nature's grand scheme. They provide nourishment for various insects. The name Cirsium comes from the Greek word kirsos (swollen viens). The plant has been known to be a remedy for just that.
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Plant location: Mt. Evans Colorado, July 20, 2008.Plant -
Bloom season: July to September. Subalpine and Alpine zones.Foliage -
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