Fringed Thistle

Cirsium clavatum, the Fish Lake thistle or fringed thistle, is a North American species of plants in the tribe Cardueae within the family Asteraceae. The species is native to the western United States, the States of Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Cirsium clavatum is a biennial or perennial herb up to 100 cm (40 inches) tall, blooming only once before dying. Leaves have thin spines along the edge, much smaller than those of related species. There are several to many flower heads, with white or pale pink disc florets but no ray florets.

Varieties

Cirsium clavatum var. americanum (A.Gray) D.J.Keil - Colorado, Utah, Wyoming

Cirsium clavatum var. clavatum - Colorado, Utah

Cirsium clavatum var. osterhoutii (Rydb.) D.J.Keil - Colorado