Arizona thistle
Cirsium arizonicum
Unlike many invasive European thistles, this native species is a vital primary nectar source for the Broad-tailed Hummingbird.
- Scientific name
- Cirsium arizonicum
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Asterales › Asteraceae › Cirsium
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Mountainous regions, coniferous forests, rocky canyons, and high-elevation meadows.
- Diet
- Autotroph (Photosynthesis via sunlight, water, and soil nutrients).
- Range
- Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, Sonora (Mexico)
- Size
- 0.3 to 1.5 meters tall
- Lifespan
- 2-5 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation, competition from invasive weeds, and heavy livestock grazing.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless but physically defensive. The plant is covered in sharp spines that can easily puncture skin or clothing. Avoid direct contact and keep pets away to prevent injuries. If pricked, remove any visible spines and wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection.
Cirsium arizonicum ( Arizona thistle ) is a North American species of thistle in the sunflower family, native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It has been found in Arizona, southeastern California, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Sonora, and northwestern Chihuahua.
Photo: Jim Morefield, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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