Cirsium scopulorum (Greene) Cockerell

Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
AKA: Alpine Thistle, Frosty Ball, Woolly Thistle
Photo taken on: July 2, 2010
Location: Cottonwood Pass, CO
Life Zones: Subalpine to alpine
Habitat: Rocky slopes, trail-sides

A very spiny, robust plant growing to 2ft with white, cobwebby hairs around a cluster of drooping, creamy white to purplish flower heads. 

Thistles : Cirsium (rockymountainsflora.com)

OVERVIEW

Cirsium scopulorum (Greene) Cockerell ex Daniels, also known as Rocky Mountain thistle or Scopulorum thistle, is a perennial flowering plant native to Western North America. It belongs to the family Asteraceae, commonly referred to as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family.

APPEARANCE

The Scopulorum thistle plant is characterized by its tall, erect stem that can grow up to two meters high. The stem is stout and covered with stiff hairs and spines. The leaves are deeply lobed and spiny, with a bluish-green color. The thistle's flower heads are reddish-purple and surrounded by numerous spiny bracts.

USES

The Scopulorum thistle is a valuable plant for wildlife, providing a source of food and habitat for various insects, birds, and mammals. The plant's roots and leaves contain chemical compounds that have been used for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of stomach ailments, joint pain, and skin conditions. In some cultures, the Scopulorum thistle has been used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. The plant's spiny leaves and stem have also been used for making baskets and other crafts. Overall, the Scopulorum thistle is an important plant for its ecological and cultural significance, as well as its potential medicinal and artisanal uses.

Cirsium Scopulorum (greene) Cockerell Ex Daniels - Mountain Thistle | Plants, Gardening, Landscaping | Botanikks

 

White Flowers - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)