Scientific name: Cirsium occidentale var. occidentale

Family: Sunflower or Asteraceae

Tribe: Cynareae

Genus: Cirsium

Blooms: Mar–July

Plant Height: 0.3–1.5 m

Habitat: Higher slopes, near coast and occasionally inland

About: The varieties of Cirsium occidentale all have more or less densely cobwebby heads and long, generally leafless peduncles. Subtle differences in the form of the phyllaries (all spine-tipped in this genus), the color of the flowers and the degree of cobwebbiness separate them. The red to purple-magenta (occasionally white) flowers of this variety are similar to those of Venus Thistle. But this variety is distinguished by its phyllaries, which are spreading or upward-curving. Stems are tomentose, and leaves deeply lobed with undulating margins, lined with prickles and spines.

*For more information about the family of flowers please click here!