Status: Native
Synonyms:
Cirsium ochrocentrum Gray subsp. martinii (P. Barlow-Irick) Keil
Cirsium ochrocentrum var. martinii is a biennial thistle with tomentose stems and curvy
spiny leaves. The phyllaries have a prominent dorsal ridge. This thistle blooms along
roadsides in the hills in summertime. It is shorter and more branched toward the base than
is Cirsium neomexicanum with which it can be found growing together. It also is a more vivid
pink purple compared to the more pastel pink of Cirsium neomexicanum. Cirsium neomexicanum has
a broader involucre compared to its height. Cirsium arizonicum is also
similar but does not have the prominent ridge in the center of the phyllaries.
This plant was identified with the help of Bob Sivinski.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Cirsium ochrocentrum var. martinii, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Mangas Cyn. Road, June 17, 2007
Cirsium ochrocentrum var. martinii, growth habit, photo Russ Kleinman, Rte. 180 near Buckhorn, May 14, 2009
Cirsium ochrocentrum var. martinii, closeup of inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Rte. 180 near Buckhorn, May 14, 2009
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