|
|
Order Asterales, Family Asterceae, Genus Cirsium
Also called Waveyleaf Thistle, and having a fatal resemblance to the invasive Carduus nutans, or Nodding Thistle, this native has a rough go. It is also colonized by the insect imported to control C. Nutans. Note the fuzzy leaves which are a soft sage green, and the white stripes on the bracts. Flowers which appear to have been torn apart probably contain a "Bumble Flower Beetle" (Euphoria inda), a scarab beetle who loves nectar. For more information, see this link: Wikipedia and Flora of North America
Regarding "Cirsium," Weber himself says,"This genus is very poorly understood in the Rocky Mountains, and the key has to remain very tentative."
Addicted to nectar!