Common
name: Colorado Thistle or Elk Thistle
Latin name: Cirsium scariosum
Annual/Perennial:
Perennial Flowers: July to August
Flower size: 3/4" to 2"
Found in: Montane to Subalpine
Height: 12" to 24"
Invasive: No
Native species: Yes Useful in garden: No
Wildflower
Field notes: Colorado Thistle is native to Colorado. This
unattractive plant in not as much of a threat to overtaking other
native plants as most of the Cirsium family is.
Look for Colorado Thistle in
sunny, moist meadows, hillsides and forest clearings.
