Cirsium neomexicanum
Also called the Desert Thistle, Foss Thistle, Lavender Thistle, Powderpuff Thistle and Utah Thistle.
Flowers: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Status: Native
Origin: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and Mexico
Family: Asteraceae
Size: 6 ft tall and 2-3 ft wide
Sun: Full to part shade
Watering: Low to moderate watering needs, drought-tolerant once established
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained soils, tolerates poor soils
Temperature: Tolerates heat and drought, moderately frost tolerant
Pruning:
Disease and Pests:
Uses: Larval Host for the Nais Metalmark, Arizona Hairstreak, Southwestern Azure, Pacuvius Duskywing, California Tortoiseshell. Nectar plant. Seeds for birds and small mammals
Notes: Native thistles are non-aggressive and do not pose a fire risk. In addition, they reduce opportunity for non-native thistles.
Resources
More on PollinatorWeb: every plant page A–Z · recommended plants for the low desert · which butterflies and moths each plant hosts
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