Elk Thistle
ExplorePlants
Elk Thistle
cirsium scariosum
The Elk Thistle is a tall, spiky plant with vibrant purple flowers that attract many insects. It's often found in meadows and can grow up to 6 feet tall!
Habitat: Meadows and open grasslands across western North America.
Appearance
The Elk Thistle is a robust plant with tall, prickly stems and broad, spiny-edged green leaves. Its distinctive round flower heads are usually vivid purple or pink, often clustered at the stem tips, making it easily spotted in meadows.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusCirsium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Bumblebees and butterflies adore its nectar-rich, purple flowers.
Indigenous peoples sometimes cooked its thick roots as a meal!
Its name honors elk, who sometimes forage on its tough roots!
This plant often thrives in sunny mountain meadows up high.
Special abilities
Ability
Spine Shield
Elk Thistle has sharp spines on its leaves and stems that deter hungry herbivores, protecting its precious leaves and flowers.
Ability
Deep Digger
Elk Thistle can grow a strong taproot deep into the soil, helping it find water and nutrients in dry conditions.
Ability
Wind Rider
Elk Thistle's seeds have a parachute-like pappus that allows them to float on the wind, spreading new plants far and wide.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-150 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to early Fall
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
eats
Elk
Cervus canadensis
forages on leaves and roots, especially in spring
pollinates
Western Bumblebee
Bombus occidentalis
collects nectar and pollen from its abundant flowers
pollinates
Painted Lady
Vanessa cardui
visits flowers for nectar, aiding in pollination
eats
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
browses on young leaves and flower heads
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Elk's ThistlePurple ThistleSpiky ThistleWestern Thistle
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Avoid touching the prickly leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Elk Thistle?
30-150 cm
How wide does Elk Thistle spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Elk Thistle?
2-5 cm
When does Elk Thistle bloom?
Summer to early Fall
Is Elk Thistle edible?
No
Is Elk Thistle toxic?
None
What is Elk Thistle's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Elk Thistle pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
.jpg&width=800)
